1986 On November 15, 1986, a group of 35 intrepid folks gathered together to organize the Deep South Paso Fino Horse Association. The historic meeting was held in Kiln, Mississippi. The conspirators included Paso lovers from Mississippi, Louisiana and southern Alabama. National President, Fred Green gave an orientation speech instructing the group on social activities, on organizing shows and on promotion of the breed. It was rumored a collective sigh of relief was heard all through the Deep South that night because no longer did the Paso afficionados have to travel hundreds of miles to exhibit or watch Paso shows. And, on January 1987, this much needed region was approved by the National Office. 1987 Armed with our regional status, the members rolled up their sleeves and set to work promoting the virtues of the perfect horse. Over the years, we have given numerous demonstrations, participated in exhibitions at prestigious affairs, such as regional Polo games, Parade of Breeds, and Scottish Highland Games held in Mississippi and other breed horse shows. Clinics were conducted locally by some of our own knowledgeable Paso people. Our horses participated in the Special Olympics on the Mississippi coast, competitive trail and endurance rides, open gaited classes in open horse show, parades for Mardi Gras and other events, and fund raising trail rides sponsored by our own Deep South Region. We have also begun a tradition of putting on Fun Shows which allow everyone to participate in an educational, enjoyable and less formal group event but which also provides another way to show off our horses to the public. Our first official Paso Fino Horse Show was held in June 1987 in Covington, Louisiana. It was a successful event entitled "Bon Temp Rouler", or "Let the Good Times Roll". Then came the big time: 1988 In 1988 the Mississippi Dixie National Livestock and Rodeo organizers invited our region to hold a two-day show. That event takes place over a 3 week period, with thousands in attendance for the various livestock shows and a first class rodeo held the evenings of our show dates. This invitation, which was eagerly accepted, heralded the start of a tradition which continues until this day. Between 1988 and 1996, "Premier" has had exceptional attendance and participation, and it has helped generate much interest in the "Paser Finer", as some have been heard to call our "little darlings". 1997 In 1997, our club began having two large shows each year - one in north Mississippi at the Lee County Agri-Center in Tupelo, MS and one in south Mississippi at the Harrison County Arena in Gulfport, MS. These shows are being well received and have a bright future! Our membership has doubled, and our region has won several National Championships in Bella Forma, Performance and Classic Fino classes. We have several T.O.P. winners in residence and our bloodlines include some of the breed's greatest horses. The people responsible for the beginning and for the continued growth of our club are too many to name. From past and present officers to the "not lowly at all" past and present plain old members, all have sacrificed their time and efforts, striving to promote and enjoy our four-footed lovable, elegant cruisers. Many of the original "35" founders are still with us today patiently assisting the newcomers and volunteering their hands and hearts. 1999 This year saw our first show in the new Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center in Hattiesburg, MS. We also had a joint show with the Southwest Paso Fino Horse Association in Monroe, LA. Club members put on an excellent Paso Fino demonstration at the Philadelphia Fair that was very well received. Membership continued to grow. Our newer members have enthusiastically joined in our mission to introduce our "treasures" to the world. And so we continue, hopefully for a long, long time!