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Introduction.

The Peruvian Paso is a distant cousin of the Paso Fino, as the name implies. Both share a common ancestry of the Spanish Barb, Andalusian, and Spanish Jennet, and both descended from horses originally brought to the New World as mounts for the conquistadors and Spanish settlers. However, the Peruvian Paso breed then developed strictly in Peru, whereas the Paso Fino evolved over a geographic area that included Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. This significant geographic separation, together with the complete isolation of the Peruvian horse, led to the Peruvian Paso and the Paso Fine developing as two very distinct and separate breeds.

History.

When Columbus discovered the New World, he discovered a vast horseless region. Although fossil remains clearly indicate that the horse existed in North America in the early phases of equine evolution, for some unknown reason they disappeared from this part of the world approximately 8,000 – 12,000 years ago. Thus, on his second voyage in 1493, Columbus brought the first horses to set foot in the western hemisphere in thousands of years.

Destined to be ridden by the conquistadors as they explored the far reaches of this new land, the horses brought by Columbus were bred in remount stations. In the 1500’s many famous explorers, such as Diego de Velasquez and Hernando Cortez, traveled to the New World in search of conquests and riches, and transported the Spanish-bred horses to widespread and remote areas including Puerto Rico, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, and Colombia, among others.

Foundation.

The horses brought to the New World by Columbus were a mix of three breeds – the Spanish Barb, the Spanish Jennet and the Andulusian. Because there was no native stock with which to cross-breed, the unique horses brought from Spain reproduced in relative isolation for generation after generation, thereby deeply embedding many of their original traits. Historical records indicate that the Peruvian Paso breed was established about 1530, and it has been selectively bred since that time. The effects of this intensive breeding with over 450 years of no outside blood, plus such factors as climate and forage, have resulted in one of the most unique breeds in the world. In fact, the Peruvian Paso’s traits are so strongly embedded genetically that 100% of the foals produced by two purebred parents will have the Peruvian Paso’s distinctive lateral motion.

Type.

Commonly referred to as the “National Horse of Peru”, the Peruvian Paso is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States for its many special traits, including its incredibly smooth way of going, natural presence or brio, and kind disposition. Whether in the show ring at the various Peruvian Paso shows held around the country, or out on the trail where their comfort and stamina make them an excellent choice for recreational riding, the Peruvian Paso displays a style all its own.

The Peruvian Paso’s hallmark is undoubtedly its wonderfully smooth way of going. This is the result of two special gaits that are exclusive to the breed – the paso llano and the sobreandando. Both gaits are lateral, meaning that the front and hind legs on the same side move together. The paso llano is a four beat gait with the timing of each footfall evenly spaced; the hoof pattern and timing is: left hind – left fore – right hind – right fore. The sobreandando is typically faster and more lateral than the paso llano, with the following footfall and timing: left hind, left front – right hind, right front.

Equally distinctive is the Peruvian Paso characteristic known as termino. Termino is basically a rolling to the outside of the front legs as the horse moves; it is similar to the way a swimmer’s arms roll to the outside at the crawl. Although to the uninitiated this may look as if the horse is “paddling” or “winging out” (an undesirable trait in most breeds which usually originates at the knee or fetlock, resulting in undue stress on the front legs), in the Peruvian Paso termino begins at the shoulder, and is an integral part of its lateral motion.

Colors.

The Peruvian Paso is found in a variety of colors including bay, black, brown, chestnut, buckskin, roan, and gray, with darker colors, grays, and an underlying dark skin preferred.