Santa Ana Paso Finos is located in the beautiful rolling hills of Hickory, NC. Easily accessible from I-40 and Hwy 321, it has 40 plus acres with a well ventilated barn, fenced pastures and two lovely ponds. It is a pleasing back drop for the primary focus of our business, the breeding, training and sales of quality Paso Fino Horses, along with promoting the beauty and versatility of the breed. The Paso Fino is a naturally gaited horse from Latin America whose unique style, beauty and smooth, comfortable gait is becoming well known in the United States.
For any horse lover, watching a Paso Fino is pure delight and riding one even more of a pleasure. "Eye catching" "magnificent" "breath taking" are a few common phrases used by viewers and riders alike to describe this horse. For a newcomer, the beauty of the horse and newness of the cadence of the Paso's gait is alluring; to an experienced Paso enthusiast, the Paso is a breed he will never leave, for the true secret of the Paso is its gait--its smoothness beyond compare to other breeds, its ability to maintain that smoothness and consistency for hours on the trail, the resilience, durability and versatility of the breed commanding the utmost loyalty from its owners and enthusiasts.
Here at Santa Ana, all levels of Paso Finos and their owners are welcome. Owned and operated by German Higuera, it is a farm that understands the different abilities of horses and owners alike. From the beginning horseman who wants a safe, well mannered trail horse that is a family pride and joy to ride on the trails, to the competitive owner who wants to show nationally with a highly polished, refined, and responsive show horse that he is confident and secure in, Santa Ana is here to meet your needs.
Unique traits of horses trained by Santa Ana Paso Finos are consistency, suppleness and gracefulness in all gaits with lightness in the mouth and willingness to respond. Each horses individual traits and strengths are built upon while the weaknesses and inconsistencies are worked on to be corrected and improved over a period of time. German works the horses extensively on trails letting the horses become comfortable with themselves. No corners are cut; there is no hurrying or forcing of the horse to become "ready" before he is not. Discipline, kindness and consistency instill excellent ground manners and correct behavior with emphasis on the safety of the horse and rider.
For amateur owners, Santa Ana is the "real deal". For any amateur rider who truly wants the best out of his horse, to improve his own riding skills and become confident in his/her own riding abilities, to ride and maximize their horses potential, we are here to serve and help you. We feel the owner/horse relationship should be a happy, safe, secure and educated one. When you come to our farm, you will receive hands on teaching and training. The client and his own particular needs are met and no question or problem is too small or unimportant to be met!
Owners who are interested in showing are prepared in the "art" of showing so that they are comfortable in themselves and their mounts before they enter the ring. They will be able to compete with confidence and have the knowledge that someone will support and guide them through the process.
German is a well know trainer in The Paso Fino industry in the United States and Europe. He is a certified judge with a wealth of 20 years of professional experience in the Paso Fino business. He created Santa Ana with the love and support of family and friends to share the knowledge and passion of this wonderful, exciting horse known as the Paso Fino. As if all this is not enough, you will make and keep many new friends--our clients become our extended family. We have had many lasting relationships over the years.