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Peruvian Paso Club
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ABOUT THE PERUVIAN PASO HORSE
The history of today's Peruvian Paso Horse began in Spain.
Christopher Columbus brought 30 horses from Spain to Hispanola
on his second voyage in 1493. For the next 50 years, additional
horses were brought in the subsequent arrivals to the West
Indies. Breeding farms were quickly set up on most
of the West Indian islands and the horse population rapidly
increased. When Francisco Pizarro invaded Peru in 1531,
he was able to take about 85 horses from the breeding farms
in Panama and Nicaragua.
 In
the 30 years following the conquest of Peru, the
horse population in Peru grew. In 1560, there were
said to be 4000 brood mares divided among about
10 ranches in the country. Because of the altitudinal
diversity of Peru, three general altitudinal types
of horses developed: the horses of the coastal plain;
the horses of upland canyons and plains of medium
elevations, up to 10,000 feet; and the horses of
the extreme mountain heights above 10,000 feet,
variously called "Chumbivilcas, Morochucos, and
Pichiguanos.
The
horses of the extreme heights are small, very hardy
horses, noted for their nimbleness and ability to
travel the high mountain trails quickly and safely.
The horses from the middle altitudes are larger
and more robust and, over the years, have been horses
of choice for the military and police. The horses
of the coastal plains are variable, many of them
having been bred by the great haciendas as work
and riding animals for the ranch workers and owners.
After the wars for independence from Spain in
the early 1800's, and the subsequent period of
civil unrest, the second half of the 1800's was
relatively peaceful and economically successful.
It was during this period that some of the large
land owners on the coast began to select horses
for their smooth gaits. Toward the end of the
1800's, a few breeders in Peru also began to
incorporate the “termino” into their breeding
programs. In 1948, a group of 13 breeders and
owners of selected horses gathered to form the
"National Association of Breeders and Owners of
the Peruvian Paso Horses" and selectively bred
to produce this "National Horse of Peru".
The Peruvian Paso Horse is relatively new to the
United States and Canada, having been initially
imported from Peru in the early 1950's and 60's.
However, as gaited breeds are gaining popularity,
the Peruvian Paso Horse is becoming a natural favorite
among horse owners and enthusiasts.
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 When viewing a Peruvian Paso Horse for the first
time, one is struck by its rhythm of movement. With
its unique, inborn, four-beat lateral gait, the
Peruvian Paso Horse is one of the smoothest of riding
horses. In addition, it has a graceful, flowing
movement called “termino” in which the front legs
are rolled towards the outside as the horse moves
forward, much like the arm motion of a swimmer.
The spectacular and natural action makes a magnificent
movement. The real power comes from behind, with
the under reach of the hind legs and propulsion
of hindquarters which moves the horse forward in
a smooth manner (also known as “gateado” or “catlike
movement”).
Peruvian Paso Horses have a tractable temperament
and demonstrate a high level of energy and willingness
to please. This willing spirit, called “brio,” demonstrates
itself in numerous ways when asking the horse to
perform. He can be high-spirited, while easy to
handle and relaxed in his movements… a truly unique
quality. This attribute makes them a versatile horse…
participating in the show ring, on the trails, at
play days and exhibitions, or as the family riding
horse.
With long flowing manes and tails, the Peruvian
Paso Horse is very beautiful. Maturing at 13.1 to
15.1 hands, its conformation is well muscled, yet
refined. Bright, solid colors are the norm; however
many have contrasting manes and tails, which lend
itself to a beautiful image.
For many, the beauty, smooth gait and willing temperament
make the Peruvian Paso Horse the “Right Horse for
all the Right Reasons.” |
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This article was published here with permission from the
Peruvian Paso Horse Promotion Project
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