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A recognizable and meaningful crest was commissioned, it in itself is a work of art. It would become the corporate logo and seal for the association.
The official crest of the American Paso Fino Horse Association is the result of the combined suggestions of the original founders with each detail having specific significance. The center of the shield bears the proud name of our breed. The red, white and blue stars and bars represent the American aspect of our association, and the sugar cane blossoms are emblematic of our important ties to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean area. Atop the shield stands a spirited Paso Fino performing the stylish gait upon which the frame of the breed rests. The design of the crest is the work of Earl J. Hemphill, a commercial artist, and the horse was drawn by Edward Bierly, noted wildlife artist. falling in love!
I had never ridden a gaited horse before, didn’t know anything about them. I changed his name to Chapo (Spanish for “shorty”) and home we went.
I had been riding for only a couple years and was just discovering horses. I wanted to know and try everything. I hired a trainer and the work began. Pretty soon we were doing very well and I learned he could do a nice slow lope but I never had the nerve to “open him up”. After all, he was just a Tennessee Walker!
red, white and blue stars and bars represent the American aspect of our association, and the sugar cane blossoms are emblematic of our important ties to Puerto Rico and the Caribbean area. Atop the shield stands a spirited Paso Fino performing the stylish gait upon which the frame of the breed rests. The design of the crest is the work of Earl J. Hemphill, a commercial artist, and the horse was drawn by Edward Bierly, noted wildlife artist.
The first Paso Fino association in North America was incorporated in 1964 under the name of American Paso Fino Pleasure Horse Association, Inc, and would later be renamed The American Paso Fino Horse Association. It's purpose was to advance the Paso Fino horse primarily through registration and breed promotion. The association was formed with three directors, a couple of extra officers, and a lot of enthusiasm for the breed. Most of whom, if not all, had no idea about how to create and operate a breed association. They reached out to other breed associations who were more than happy to give advice and insight. The association and it’s activities were dicussed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to reach mutually beneficial cooperation. The next task was rounding up owners who had imported horses at different times, in different manners and from different countries of origin spanning a number of years.
Once the framework for the association was in place, attention to details became the focus. These would include management of the association, registration of horses, establishing policy and coordinating activities to promote the breed and cultivate interest.
To this day, the crest represents the American Paso Fino Horse Association. It’s meaning is as relevant today as it was when the original association founders defined the design.
By 1965 owners and breeders were participating in open houses and breed demonstrations in many states to showcase the breed. Events and locations doubled in 1966 and in November of 1967 the first recognized Paso Fino class was offered at the South Miami Riding Club during the Thanksgiving show.