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Gaits of the Peruvian Paso
Paso Llano Gait
Sobreandando Gait
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Origins of the Peruvian Paso Horse
Prior to the seventeenth century, most of the world's
horses were naturally gaited. Horses that trotted were considered suitable only
as pack animals or mounts for servants. As the 17th century opened, it was
unusual to see a horse that trotted. At the close of the same century, for a
variety of reasons, it was equally as unusual to see a horse that did not trot.
It was the most complete transformation that horse breeding has ever seen.
As the world's horsemen moved from naturally gaited horses to trotting horses,
the Peruvian's continued to esteem and breed their naturally gaited Caballo
Peruano de Paso.
The Peruvian Paso horse descended from bloodstock introduced into Peru by the
Spanish, at that time the foremost horse breeders in the world. For several
centuries no outside blood has been introduced into the Peruvian breed; and it
is now one of the rarest things in the equine world, a naturally gaited breed
which can guarantee it's gait to 100% of its offspring. Every purebred Peruvian
Horse, without exception, inherits the gait which is the trademark of the breed.
Due to his way of going and conformation, the Peruvian Horse is able to gait
with virtually no movement of his back between the withers and the croup. In
addition, the distance between the ground and the belly of the horse will not
vary, even at fairly high speeds. The results are one the smoothest ride in the
equine kingdom.
Because of an inner pride and energy called "brio", which makes him travel as if
always "on parade", the Peruvian Paso is one of the most showy of all horses.
Thanks to a long standing Peruvian practice of not breeding animals which have
an unsuitable disposition, their "temperament" is one of the world's best.
In addition, the Peruvian is the only horse in the world with "termino", which
is a graceful, flowing movement in which the forelegs are rolled toward the
outside as the horse strides forward.
The Peruvian Paso horse is descended from the Barb horse of North Africa, the
Andalusian, and Spanish Jennet from Spain, and has over the centuries been
created by the breeders of Peru as a totally unique and distinct breed. The
Peruvian Horse stands between 14.1 to 15.1 hh, weighs between 900-1100 lbs, and
comes in a wide range of colors from chestnut, black, dun, buckskin, roan, grey
bay and palomino.
Do you have to use Peruvian Tack?
Peruvian tack has evolved with the horse for 500 years and most closely suits
its conformation, riding style, and unique beauty of the horse for which it was
created. The breed associations have continued to observe the tradition of Peru,
and the Peruvian tack remains mandatory at most shows. However, tack does not
influence the gait of the Peruvian horse in any way. In fact many owners choose
to ride their Peruvian horse bareback with only a halter for control, which is
easily facilitated by his smooth ride and willing disposition. Some people ride
the Peruvian horse in English, Western or even Australian tack depending on
personal preference. However care must be taken to see that whichever style is
used; the tack is properly fitted to the unique conformation of the Peruvian
horse.
What is the Difference between a Peruvian Paso and a Paso Fino?
The Peruvian Paso and the Paso Fino are different and unique breeds in much the
same way as the Thoroughbred is different from the Quarter Horse. The Paso Fino
was create by crossing the stock brought to America by the Conquistadors, with
breeds later introduced to these areas. The Peruvian Paso originated from this
same stock, but remained relatively pure because of the isolation of Peruvian
geography. There are a number of differences between the two breeds, resulting
from habitat and intended use. The Paso Fino tends to be slightly smaller,
narrower, and less refined than its Peruvian counterpart. The Paso Fino does
not, as a rule, exhibit " Termino" to avoid further confusion, caused by the
word " Paso" many Peruvian owner refer to our breed as the "Peruvian Horse".
What can you do with a Peruvian Horse?
His ability to cover great distances quickly and
comfortably makes him an ideal trail and pleasure mount. The Peruvian possesses
great stamina and is beginning to make his presence felt in competitive trail
and endurance riding. Peruvian Horse owners, also enjoy competing at the many
shows in Canada and North America.
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