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What does it take to prepare world-class Paso Fino performance horses for the National Championships? In this special behind-the-scenes look, horse trainer Michael Gascon – The Horse Guru – is joined by his father and mentor, Jaime Gascon, to showcase two of their young performance horses as they get ready for the big stage.
Few training facilities open their doors to give the public a glimpse of their competition prep, but here we get an inside look at what goes into creating a true performance horse.
Meet the Horses: McDreamy and Lulu
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McDreamy – a four-year-old Paso Fino performance colt.
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Lulu – a three-year-old Paso Fino performance filly.
Both of these young horses are already showing the qualities needed to shine in the Paso Fino performance division. With just a month to go before nationals, the Gascon team is fine-tuning their talent, energy, and consistency.
What Makes a Paso Fino Performance Horse?
A Paso Fino performance horse is one of the most impressive spectacles in the breed. These horses must display:
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Explosive energy while remaining perfectly trained.
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High action and drive from the hind end.
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Brilliant headsets with their feet moving “a mile a minute.”
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Calm consistency, able to transition from fiery movement to a relaxed walk instantly.
It’s this delicate balance—power and precision—that defines a champion in the performance division.
Training Foundations Before the Show Ring
Both Lulu and McDreamy have gone through extensive training before stepping into the performance spotlight. Their foundation includes:
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Colt starting
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Trail riding and obstacles
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Trick training
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Driving in a cart
Only after mastering these fundamentals do they move into performance work, where finesse and ring presence are polished.
Gaits of the Performance Division
The Corto (Short Gait)
The Corto is the slower, collected gait of the Paso Fino. It’s all about consistency and rhythm. Michael explains that this begins with the rider:
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Keep hands steady.
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Sit balanced and consistent.
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Maintain focus with eyes up and posture aligned.
The Largo (Long Gait)
The Largo is a smooth, extended gait showcasing more speed and power. Riders achieve this by:
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Leaning slightly back.
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Using inside leg pressure.
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Guiding the horse’s nose outward for balance.
Back to Walk and Reverse
After showing brilliance at speed, a true performance horse must drop back to a calm, steady walk instantly. They also need to reverse direction with ease, showing obedience and training under pressure.
Competition Readiness
McDreamy and Lulu won’t compete against each other, since they’re in different divisions:
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McDreamy – four-year-old colts.
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Lulu – three-year-old fillies.
Michael describes McDreamy as looking like a “little chess piece”—a horse that could go on to win multiple national and world championships. With his first shot at the title just weeks away, the Gascons are confident in his ability to shine.
See Them in Action at Nationals
Fans of the Paso Fino breed and lovers of performance horses will have the chance to watch these incredible athletes live. The National Paso Fino Championships take place the week of September 20th in Perry, Georgia.
Michael invites everyone to come out and see horses like Lulu and McDreamy display the brilliance, power, and precision that define the performance division.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the National Championships is about more than training—it's about perfecting the balance between explosive energy and calm control. With mentorship, foundational training, and consistent practice, horses like McDreamy and Lulu are well on their way to becoming champions.
If you want to see these Paso Fino performance horses at their best, mark your calendars and join the Gascon family in Georgia this September!
