RARE BREEDS TRUST OF AUSTRALIA
powered by TidyHQHorses: Costa Rican Saddle Horse (Costarricense de Paso)
Horses: Costa Rican Saddle Horse (Costarricense de Paso)
Country of Origin 
Republic of Costa Rica, Central America
Also known as Costarricense Paso, Costa Rica Saddle Horse, Costa Rican Walking Horse.
Australian Status
International Status
Popular in its home country of Costa Rica. Some in the USA.
Uses
Riding, sport.
Breed traits
The Costa Rican Saddle Horse has a high stepping horse, gaited. This gait is comfortable for riders and allows the horse to maintain a smooth, rhythmic pace. The breed’s gait and movement are highly regarded for their efficiency and comfort.
Height is a minimum of 14.2½ hh (148 centimetres; 58 in) for males and 14.1½hh (146 centimetres; 57 in) for females.
The Costa Rican Saddle Horse is noted for its friendly, calm, and gentle nature, making it an ideal breed for riders of any level. They possess high intelligence, a strong work ethic, and are highly trainable and versatile.
History
The development of the Costa Rican Saddle Horse began in the 19th century through crossbreeding imported Andalusian, Spanish-Barb, and Peruvian Paso stallions with native Costa Rican mares.
This strategic breeding aimed to create a horse with a robust conformation and high-action ambling gaits. The breed was formally established in 1972 with the establishment of the ASCACOPA (Asociación de Criadores del Caballo Costarricense de Paso ) breed club, which initiated the breed registry in 1974.
The breed’s foundation stallion, Janitzio, foaled in 1955, played a significant role in defining the breed’s characteristics.
History in Australia
Arrived in Australia in 21st century.
Breed Organisation
None active in Australia.
In Costa Rica - Asociación de Criadores del Caballo Costarricense de Paso - http://ascacopa.com/index
Australian Population
2019: Less than 10
2022: Mares 1; Stallions 2 (estimated)
2025: Mares 1; Stallions 3
Additional Notes
The only Australian stud found to date is Langshaw near Gympie, Queensland. They have a list of their horses on that website - https://www.langshawstud.com/about
Costa Rican Saddle Horse can be seen at the biggest annual tope held at Palmares, Costa Rica - horse parades are part of festivals in Costa Rica, and called topes. There is another big tope at San Jose, in Costa Rica, annually. Every town has an annual festival for their patron saint and topes are always a part of this festival - the festivals are huge! Smaller festivals called cabalgatas are important for horses, as horse sports and long trail rides are a part of them. The Carrera de Cintas (belt race) involves spearing small rings hung from trees with a lance made by the rider. There are entry fees for topes and cabalgatas which raise money for local charities. Horses on Costa Rica are well cared for and popular.
Page by Janet Lane.
Updated 22.06.2022.
Updated and revised January 2026
