In The News

A Paso Fino is the cover horse on the National Stallions Calendar for 2008

Each year, Rancho Fino invites the top national equine photographers to the ranch, where stallions are released “at liberty” in large green pastures, giving the photographers the opportunity to shoot unlimited photos and generate pictures they can then sell.

For the first time, a Paso Fino is the cover horse on the National Stallions Calendar. The cover shot was taken by Sherron Sheppard and is Rancho Fino’s Ingeniero. To get a copy of this beautiful calendar (which is available in several configurations) and which also includes another Paso Fino (Caton de Ropa, owned by Edgar & Alei Ortiz, United Paso Fino Show Horses), contact Horse Classics Calendar, 4799 Lower Mountain Road New Hope PA 18938 or call (215)794-5878, (215)794-3544.

Cub Scout Troop Learns About Paso Finos

RANCHO FINO HELD AN OPEN HOUSE for twelve members of Cub Scout Troop #3786, Thousand Oaks California. Troop members and their parents visited Rancho Fino to learn about Paso Finos. The kids learned first hand the job of a farrier, watching intensely as shoes were removed, hooves trimmed and new shoes put on. After lunch, each Scout got the opportunity to ride a Paso Fino. Some had been taking riding lessons and told us they thought the Paso Fino was the best riding horse ever. “Jochi” Rodriguez demonstrated roping and riding skills and allowed the kids to participate. This Youth Program is part of Rancho Fino’s efforts to involve youth in the area with Paso Finos. Additional group demonstrations are scheduled in March.

2007 Youth Rider of Merit

The 2007 Youth Rider of Merit is none other than our own Connor Anderson who was named Youth Rider of Merit by the Paso Fino Horse Association. In order to achieve this, a youth rider must accumulate 500 or more points and Connor has gotten 718. There were only approximately 20 youths nationwide who were given this award in 2007. Throughout the past year, Connor has been riding for Rancho Fino in virtually all the shows. She has ridden Flying M Toscana who was just given the National Title of Proficiency for having accumulated 800 show points. Connor has also ridden Ingeniero, Frappuchino, Filipina, Sierra Luna and others from Rancho Fino. Connor will be competing in the upcoming Carousel Charity Horse Show in Scottsdale AZ.

Rancho Fino Welcomes Jose "Jochi" Rodriguez to California

In 1998 Bob and Betty Rains were looking for riding horses. At that time, Jochi Rodriguez was the head trainer at the Flying M Ranch in Livingston, Montana. After several visits and a lot of riding, Bob and Betty bought 4 Paso Finos with Jochi's help.

Just prior to this, Jochi had won the Pleasure Championship at the World Cup on a black stallion named "Ingeniero". Later in 1999, Jochi and Ingeniero won the Performance Championship at the World Cup in Tampa, Florida.

While looking for a trainer, Bob and Betty went to Florida and again met Jochi at the Grand Prix show. A month later Jochi agreed to come to Rancho Fino as head Trainer. Much to his surprise, an old friend was here to greet him - - "Ingeniero"! In minutes he recognized his friend and the two of them will again be competing at upcoming Shows.

You can see Jochi at work, training several of our horses by viewing this video.

Paso Fino Training Video

Rancho Fino and Jose "Jochi" Rodriguez are proud to present the first in a series of horsemanship training videos specifically for the Paso Fino.

What makes this video exceptional is the years of training Jochi has had in learning the best techniques from top clinicians like Buck Branaman, Chris Cox, and many others. Jochi has worked directly with these trainers and has developed his training methods as a result of their help, encouragement and support. He is successfully using these techniques with the Paso Fino.

This video is in Spanish and English and provides a clear picture of how to train your horse without unnecessary force. This is the first in a series of videos that will be available.

To purchase your copy of this video, please contact Rancho Fino at (805) 640-9160 or email us at RanchoFino@aol.com.

Rancho Fino plans to have several clinics where you can personally experience this true horsemanship with Jochi yourself. Clinics will be held for both amateurs and professional owners and trainers.

Horsemanship Clinic at Gateway Farms in Wisconsin

Jose “Jochi”: Rodriquez just completed a 2–day clinic at this farm where they had a large group of people and a wide variety of problems to be solved. Applying the gentle horsemanship training, Jochi amazed the on-lookers and quickly solved problems that were causing people serious concerns.

The response from one of the owners was “Jochi is the most amazing horseman I have ever met. He truly has the gift and such passion for the horse. He has completely changed our lives with horses and brought us much guidance and help. We have a safe and positive relationship with them now like never before. This is all due to him; he really is the “gait master”. Watch for upcoming clinics in your area.

Upcoming Events

Join the California Paso Fino Horse Association, and your membership will open up a new world of excitement with your Paso Fino. Meet great people who share the same interest. Participate in fun, shows, trail rides, exhibitions, and serious regional and national competition. Visit CPFHA.com for more news and registration forms.

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12147 Old Walnut Road Ojai, Ca. 93023 805.640.9160 phone 805.640.1937 fax RanchoFino@aol.com