In Costa Rica 9000 equine breeding records are administered by the Horse Breeders Association of the Costa Rican Step Horse. The trot of the national race is known for its beauty, elegance, energy in their movements, soft chair and excellent temperament. To ensure that a horse is a Costa Rica's step horse two DNA tests must be made. The first is a blood test. The second is to analyze a sample of the tail of the horse. 
Some Visible Characteristics Include:• minimum height of the cross: 148 cm
• Presents high elevations in hocks and knees.
• Acuity in their movements and soft seat
• Temperament: Noble and great attitude for dressage.
Here is a link that shows a Costa Rican Step Horse prancing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv7fOfpZDg0&feature=player_embedded
Origin of the National Breed:
Costa Rica has the Berber horse origin. These animals arrived in the country during the conquest. In Costa Rica the horse racing hobby was developed in the early twentieth century, when horses were imported from Spain and Peru. The Peruvian stud and horse breeding policy came to Costa Rica. This lineage was characterized as very useful in agricultural and livestock farms, but in the last 40 years has specialized as a luxury and pleasure saddle horse. On May 2, 1994 the Costa Rican Step Horse was declared as the national horse race.
Origin of the National Breed:
Costa Rica has the Berber horse origin. These animals arrived in the country during the conquest. In Costa Rica the horse racing hobby was developed in the early twentieth century, when horses were imported from Spain and Peru. The Peruvian stud and horse breeding policy came to Costa Rica. This lineage was characterized as very useful in agricultural and livestock farms, but in the last 40 years has specialized as a luxury and pleasure saddle horse. On May 2, 1994 the Costa Rican Step Horse was declared as the national horse race.
