Peruvian Paso. The American Dream Horse
LUXURY
Webster's dictionary defines "luxury" as "the use and
enjoyment of the best, most precious things that offer the most physical comfort
and satisfaction." It may be the single best word in the English language
to describe the Peruvian Paso.
This horse, one of the world's last remaining naturally gaited breeds, is
becoming a sensation among American horse enthusiasts for several very good
reasons. There is "something for everyone" in this smooth, elegant
animal; riding comfort, strength and stamina for the avid trail rider; calm
tractable disposition so important in the family mount; arrogant, flashy
presence and action which set the exhibitor and parader apart from others, and
investment potential solidly supported by its relative rarity and increasing
popularity.
A RICH HERITAGE
Although a newcomer to North America, the Peruvian Paso had its origins over
four centuries ago in South America, where the horses brought to Peru by the
conquistadores and subsequent Spanish settlers were bred selectively to produce
the genetic miracle which became the "National Horse of Peru." The
judicious fusion of several Old World breeds provided the foundation for the
Peruvian horse. The Spanish Jennet gave its even temperament and smooth ambling
gait, the African Barb contributed great energy, strength and stamina while the
Andalusian imparted its excellent conformation, action, proud carriage and
beauty to the new breed. Once established, the Peruvian Paso was maintained in
its native country as a closed population, isolated by geography and the
dedication of its creators from the influence of additional outside blood.
A BREED APART
Today, the Peruvian Paso transmits its smooth gait to all purebred foals. No
artificial devices or special training aids are necessary to enable the horse to
perform its specialty - a natural four-beat footfall of medium speed that
provides a ride of incomparable smoothness and harmony of movement.
In addition to an easy gait, the Peruvian Paso's creators desired their new
breed to retain brilliant action typified by lift as the knee and fetlock flex,
combined with "termino," a movement of the front legs similar to the
loose outward rolling of a swimmer's arms in the crawl.
Perhaps the most misunderstood of all traits that distinguishes the Peruvian
horse is "brio," a quality of spirit that enables this tractable horse
to perform with an arrogance and exuberance that can only be described as
thrilling. "Brio" and stamina give the Peruvian its willingness and
ability to perform tirelessly for many hours and many miles in the service of
its rider.
Physically, the Paso is a horse of medium size, usually standing between 14.1
and 15.2 hands tall, with a powerful build. He may be chestnut, black, brown,
bay, buckskin, palomino, gray, roan or dun; with the solid colors, grays and
dark skin considered most desirable. The mane is abundant with fine, lustrous
hair that may be curly or straight.
PERUVIAN PASO/PASO FINO
Many people assume a close relationship between the Peruvian Paso and the
Paso Fino. Although the two breeds share some common ancestors in the Old World
breeds that are their forebears, the horses that gave rise to each came to the
New World with different groups of settlers and were generated in entirely
separate environments for totally different purposes.
The Paso Fino was developed in and around the Caribbean, Central and South
America, while the Peruvian horse was born entirely within the borders of the
country for which it was named. The Peruvian is somewhat larger, deeper in the
body and wider. Both have high head carriage and front leg lift, are smooth to
ride and exhibit basically the same four-beat footfall although it is executed
differently. The Paso Fino is not bred for the distinctive "termino"
and its finest show gait does not require the length of stride so essential in
Peru for traveling long distances. In addition, the Peruvian can guarantee
transmission of its gait to all purebred foals.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
While the heritage of the Peruvian horse cannot - and should not - be denied,
its purely recreational role in this country is shaping an animal that appeals
particularly to the American sense of beauty and function. As a result, more and
more of this country's horsemen are finding the comfort and excitement of owning
a horse that can be ridden successfully by anyone who wishes the thrill and
luxury of this marvelous breed. The show ring - even at National levels - is
full of amateur and junior riders who compete and win in every type of halter
and performance class. The PPHRNA National Show has often offered a new horse
trailer to the High Point Performance Horse of the Show. It has often been won
by a Junior exhibitor.
An important force in the past and the very bright future of the Peruvian
horse is the Peruvian Paso Horse Registry of North America. There exists here in
the Paso's adopted homeland an enthusiastic and dedicated group of horsemen who
believe this horse rightly belongs to the American way of life. These owners are
committed to the advancement of the breed and its increasing acceptance by the
pleasure-riding public. They have launched a campaign to inform and invite all
horse lovers in this country to find this "best kept secret" for
themselves.
History of the Peruian Paso Horse
Welcome to Peruvian Paso
Peruvian Paso Horse
Links
Peruvian Paso the American Dream Horse
History of the Peruian Paso Horse By Verne R. Albright
Peruian Paso Horse
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