Peruvian Horse
Breed Description

The Peruvian Paso, also known simply as the Peruvian Horse or Caballo Peruano de Paso in its homeland, stands as one of the world's most refined naturally gaited breeds. The name Paso derives from the Spanish word for step, reflecting the breed's signature smooth, lateral four-beat gait that has made it famous among gaited horse enthusiasts worldwide. In Peru, these horses are treasured as living national heritage and protected by government decree.

The breed holds the distinction of being declared a Cultural Heritage of Peru through Decree number 25919, enacted on November 28, 1992. Peru's National Institute of Culture has further recognized the Peruvian Paso as part of the nation's cultural patrimony, underscoring the horse's importance to Peruvian identity and history. This governmental protection ensures preservation of breeding standards and traditions surrounding these remarkable animals.

In North America, the North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA), founded in 1996, serves as the primary breed registry maintaining records for horses in the United States and Canada. NAPHA upholds breeding standards established by Peru's Asociación Nacional de Criadores y Propietarios de Caballos Peruanos de Paso (ANCPCPP), the original registry based in Lima that maintains the international studbook. DNA typing has been required for all newly registered horses with NAPHA since January 1, 2004, ensuring accurate parentage records.

The breed should not be confused with the Paso Fino despite the shared Paso name, which simply means step in Spanish. While both breeds descend from Spanish colonial horses and exhibit smooth gaits, they developed independently in different countries for distinct purposes. The Peruvian is somewhat larger and deeper-bodied than the Paso Fino, with a longer stride suited to covering ground efficiently across Peru's vast plantation landscapes.

The Peruvian Paso presents an appearance of energy, grace, and refined power that immediately distinguishes it from other breeds. Standing typically between 14.1 and 15.2 hands and weighing 900 to 1,100 pounds, these horses possess compact yet athletic builds designed for efficient movement and rider comfort. Their well-developed musculature appears balanced rather than exaggerated, supporting endurance without sacrificing elegance.

The head of a Peruvian Paso is medium-sized with a straight or slightly concave profile and dark skin. A small muzzle features oblong nostrils that extend easily during exertion. Dark, expressive eyes set well apart showcase the breed's intelligence and gentle nature, while medium-length ears with fine, slightly inward-curved tips add refinement. The jowls are moderately marked, giving the face a clean appearance without coarseness.

The neck rises gracefully from well-laid shoulders with a natural arch at the crest. While medium in length compared to most light breeds, the neck carries slightly more substance in proportion to the body than some refined types, supporting the elevated head carriage characteristic of the breed's proud bearing. This neck set allows for the spectacular front-end action that makes the Peruvian Paso so visually striking under saddle.

The breed's most distinctive physical feature is termino, a graceful outward rolling motion of the front legs during forward movement. This action, entirely natural and never trained artificially, resembles the arm motion of a swimmer executing the crawl stroke. The movement originates in the shoulder, allowing the horse to swing the leg forward with minimal vertical force transmitted to the rider's back. This rolling action gives the Peruvian Paso its characteristic appearance of always being on parade.

Body construction emphasizes strength and endurance. A broad, deep chest provides ample heart and lung capacity for sustained work. The back is short to medium length with strong coupling to powerful hindquarters that drive forward movement. Clean, well-articulated legs feature short cannon bones, strong tendons, and medium-length pasterns that are springy without showing weakness. The skin fits tightly against the bone, particularly in the lower legs.

Coat colors span the full range of solid equine colors including bay, black, chestnut, brown, buckskin, palomino, gray, dun, grulla, and roan. Solid colors, grays, and dark skin are preferred by the breed standard, though no colors are disqualifying. The Barb ancestry in the breed's background contributes striking color tones and shades. Glass or blue eyes are penalized in breeding classes but may appear in the breed.

The Peruvian Paso embodies a concept called brio, a Spanish term describing the horse's spirited yet willing energy that sets it apart from breeds that are merely calm or merely hot. Brio implies vigor, exuberance, courage, and liveliness placed willingly in service to the rider. Horses with true brio are forward-thinking workers whose attention remains focused on their handler rather than wandering to distractions. This quality makes them quick to react and fast to learn.

Despite their spirited nature, Peruvian Pasos historically were bred for tractability as rigorously as for gait. Generations of Peruvian horsemen refused to breed animals with unsuitable dispositions, understanding that a beautiful gaited horse was useless if unsafe or uncooperative. This long-standing practice created horses that combine natural energy with exceptional handleability, appearing much larger than their actual size when under saddle due to their proud carriage.

Intelligence ranks high among Peruvian Paso characteristics. These horses learn quickly and retain their training well, responding to consistent, fair handling with eager cooperation. Their attentiveness to riders makes them sensitive to subtle cues once properly trained, allowing refined communication between horse and handler. This mental engagement means they can become bored without adequate stimulation, so varied work and training keep them mentally sharp.

The breed demonstrates strong bonding tendencies with regular handlers. Peruvian Pasos typically develop deep attachments to their primary caregivers, showing obvious preference for familiar people while remaining polite with strangers. This bonding enhances training as horses work willingly for handlers they trust. However, it also means these horses may show separation anxiety if suddenly removed from established relationships.

Social behavior among Peruvian Pasos generally reflects their cooperative nature. They integrate well into mixed herds and rarely display aggressive dominance behaviors that disrupt group dynamics. While naturally assertive enough to maintain their place in herd hierarchy, they typically avoid conflicts when possible. This sociability makes them pleasant to manage in group turnout situations.

Young Peruvian Pasos show the breed's characteristic alertness from birth, quickly becoming curious about their environment and responsive to human attention. Early handling builds on this natural people-orientation, producing adults that enjoy interaction and work. The breed matures emotionally somewhat slowly, with horses often not reaching full mental maturity until ages five to seven, though they can begin light work earlier.

Under saddle, the Peruvian Paso's brio translates to horses that feel alive beneath the rider without feeling dangerous. They carry themselves with natural elevation and collection, moving as if on parade even during ordinary work. This presence attracts attention and gives riders the feeling of being aboard something special. The combination of smooth gaits with expressive movement creates an experience unlike riding any other breed.

Housing Peruvian Pasos requires standard equine facilities appropriate for medium-sized horses, with attention to their need for regular exercise and mental stimulation. These adaptable horses thrive in various management systems from full-time pasture to primarily stabled arrangements, provided their physical and psychological needs are met consistently. Quality of care matters more than specific housing style.

Pasture recommendations follow standard guidelines of 1-2 acres of quality grazing per horse. Good pasture management including rotational grazing, weed control, and appropriate fertilization maintains nutritious forage. Peruvian Pasos appreciate varied terrain that encourages natural movement, though they do not require challenging landscapes. Safe fencing remains essential, with board, vinyl, or well-maintained wire options all suitable when properly installed.

Stall sizes of 12x12 feet accommodate most Peruvian Pasos comfortably, providing adequate room for lying down and moving about. Larger stalls benefit horses spending significant time indoors. Good ventilation protects respiratory health, while proper drainage and regular cleaning maintain sanitary conditions. These horses can adapt to stabling if compensated with adequate daily turnout and exercise.

Turnout provides essential physical and psychological benefits for Peruvian Pasos. Their intelligent, active natures require time to move freely and engage naturally with their environment. Minimum daily turnout of several hours helps prevent behavioral problems arising from boredom or excess energy. Group turnout with compatible horses satisfies social needs, though individual turnout works when herd dynamics prove problematic.

Exercise programs should account for the breed's naturally engaged disposition. While not requiring extreme exercise, Peruvian Pasos benefit from regular riding or driving that challenges them mentally and physically. Their stamina suits trail riding, endurance work, and regular arena sessions. Horses in competition often train five to six days weekly with appropriate recovery time.

Traditional Peruvian training equipment differs somewhat from standard American tack, though these horses perform well in various saddle and bridle styles. The traditional Peruvian saddle, comfortable for both horse and rider, is beautiful equipment imported from Peru. However, properly fitted Western, English, or Australian saddles all work well. The key is appropriate fit that allows free shoulder movement for the breed's expressive front-end action.

To protect natural gait quality, Peruvian Paso show rules prohibit shoeing or hooves longer than four inches. This requirement ensures horses perform with their inborn natural action rather than mechanically induced movement. Many Peruvian Paso owners keep their horses barefoot year-round when hoof quality permits, scheduling regular farrier visits every six to eight weeks for trimming and maintenance.

Climate management for Peruvian Pasos follows standard practices. Developed in Peru's varied climates from coastal desert to mountain highlands, the breed adapts to most conditions with appropriate shelter. Blanketing during extreme cold protects horses not acclimated to harsh winters, while shade and ventilation help during hot summers. Their generally hardy nature minimizes special climate considerations in moderate regions.

Grooming requirements center on the breed's characteristic thick, flowing manes and tails. These luxurious features require regular detangling, typically weekly or more frequently, to prevent matting. Many owners use conditioning products that ease combing while protecting hair from breakage. Daily brushing maintains coat health and provides bonding time.

Nutritional management for Peruvian Pasos follows principles common to most light horse breeds while accounting for individual variation and workload. These horses typically have moderate metabolisms, neither extreme easy keepers nor hard keepers, though individuals vary considerably. Observing body condition and adjusting feed accordingly produces better results than following rigid formulas.

Quality forage forms the dietary foundation, with Peruvian Pasos requiring approximately 1.5-2% of body weight daily in hay or pasture. For a typical 1,000-pound horse, this translates to 15-20 pounds of forage daily. Grass hay suits most individuals well, providing adequate fiber and nutrients for maintenance or light work. Horses in heavier training may benefit from mixed grass-alfalfa hay or higher-quality forages providing additional protein and calories.

Grain supplementation depends heavily on workload and individual metabolism. Peruvian Pasos at maintenance or in light pleasure riding often need little to no grain, particularly if grazing quality pasture. A ration balancer providing vitamins and minerals without excess calories can complete nutrition without promoting weight gain. Horses in regular training or competition may require concentrate feeds to meet increased energy demands.

Protein requirements for adult Peruvian Pasos at maintenance average 8-10% of the diet, increasing to 10-12% for horses in moderate work. Quality forage often meets these needs without additional protein supplementation. Growing young horses, pregnant or lactating mares, and horses recovering from illness may require higher protein levels. Commercial feeds formulated for these life stages simplify meeting increased requirements.

Vitamin and mineral balance often requires supplementation beyond what forage provides. Regional soil deficiencies affect forage mineral content, making blanket recommendations difficult. Common supplements include salt provided free-choice, vitamin E for horses without pasture access, and selenium in deficient areas. Complete vitamin-mineral supplements address multiple needs conveniently.

Weight management deserves attention as some Peruvian Pasos tend toward easy keeping. Obesity stresses joints and hooves while predisposing horses to metabolic problems. Regular body condition scoring helps identify weight changes before they become problematic. Target condition scores of 4-6 on the nine-point Henneke scale suit most individuals, with adjustments for discipline and season.

Water requirements follow standard guidelines of 5-10 gallons daily for most horses, increasing significantly during hot weather, heavy work, or lactation. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. Automatic waterers work well when functioning properly, though buckets allow monitoring of intake. Horses often prefer water at moderate temperatures rather than very cold.

Feeding schedules ideally provide multiple small meals rather than large single feedings, supporting digestive health and mimicking natural grazing patterns. Most owners feed hay morning and evening at minimum, with grain divided into two or more meals if substantial amounts are required. Consistency in timing reduces stress and digestive upset.

Peruvian Pasos are generally healthy, hardy horses with stamina developed over centuries of demanding use in Peru's varied terrain. However, the breed faces a significant health challenge in Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a progressive connective tissue disease occurring at higher rates in Peruvian Horses than most other breeds. In some Peruvian Horse families, DSLD prevalence reaches 40%, making this condition a primary health concern for breeders and owners. Beyond this breed-specific issue, Peruvian Pasos require standard equine veterinary care including vaccinations, dental work, and parasite management.

With appropriate care and attention to breed-specific health concerns, Peruvian Pasos enjoy typical equine lifespans of 25-30 years. The key to long-term health lies in proactive management including DSLD screening for breeding stock, regular veterinary care, and prompt attention to any developing problems. Owners who partner with veterinarians familiar with gaited breed concerns provide the best foundation for their horses' lifelong wellbeing.

Training Peruvian Pasos requires understanding their unique combination of sensitivity, intelligence, and natural gait abilities. These horses respond best to trainers who appreciate their brio and work with their willing nature rather than attempting to suppress it. Patient, progressive methods produce horses that partner genuinely with handlers, while harsh or inconsistent training may create defensive behaviors that obscure their natural cooperation.

Foundation training for young Peruvian Pasos emphasizes handling, ground manners, and basic respect before introducing saddle work. Their intelligence and people-orientation make early handling rewarding, as foals quickly learn to lead, tie, stand for grooming, and accept basic veterinary and farrier procedures. This foundation supports all future training and builds the trust relationship essential to the breed.

Gait development in Peruvian Pasos is largely natural rather than trained, as the paso llano gait is inherited rather than taught. However, proper training helps young horses develop balance, rhythm, and consistency in their natural movement. Trainers focus on encouraging the horse's inborn gait without interfering with its quality, using appropriate footing, conditioning, and riding techniques that support rather than alter natural movement.

The paso llano is the preferred gait, featuring four equal beats in a 1-2-3-4 rhythm. This isochronous gait provides the smoothest ride. The sobreandando, often faster, features lateral beats closer together in a 1-2, 3-4 rhythm. Both gaits are lateral and four-beat, performed in the sequence of left hind, left fore, right hind, right fore. Quality horses can also canter and perform relaxed walks.

Under-saddle training typically begins around age three, though the breed's slow emotional maturation means many trainers wait until four for serious work. Initial riding introduces the horse to carrying weight and responding to basic cues. Progressive training builds collection, responsiveness, and gait consistency. Traditional training uses the same methods and equipment across Peru, ensuring no competitive advantage from artificial devices.

Handling the breed's brio requires appreciation rather than suppression. Trainers channel this spirited energy into focused work rather than attempting to create dull, unresponsive horses. Peruvian Pasos trained appropriately display their fire willingly, becoming animated yet controllable partners. This balance between energy and obedience defines quality training outcomes.

Show training for Peruvian Pasos includes the traditional Champagne Walk test, where riders balance a glass of champagne on their fingertips while the horse gaits. This test demonstrates the exceptional smoothness that should characterize every quality Peruvian Paso. Preparing horses for show environments includes exposure to crowds, strange places, and the excitement of competition while maintaining their natural poise.

Trail and pleasure training suits many Peruvian Pasos who will not enter show rings. Their comfortable gaits make them exceptional trail mounts for riders seeking fatigue-free long-distance riding. Training emphasizes steady, reliable behavior on varied terrain, appropriate response to trail hazards, and enjoyable partnership for recreational riders.

Peruvian Pasos suit riders seeking exceptionally smooth, comfortable mounts with spirited yet tractable temperaments. Their natural gaits eliminate the jarring of trot work that troubles many riders, making them particularly appropriate for those with back problems, joint issues, or other conditions aggravated by bouncing gaits. The breed's willing nature and trainability also appeal to riders who value genuine partnership with their horses.

Rider experience requirements for Peruvian Pasos vary by individual horse and intended use. While the breed's cooperative temperament makes many individuals suitable for intermediate riders, their spirited brio benefits from handlers who can appreciate and channel this energy appropriately. Beginning riders can enjoy well-trained Peruvian Pasos under supervision but may find young or less experienced horses challenging.

Discipline versatility allows Peruvian Pasos to excel in multiple arenas. Traditional breed showing showcases gait quality and conformation. Trail riding exploits their comfortable gaits for long-distance recreation. Competitive trail and endurance events suit their stamina. Parade and exhibition work highlights their flashy presence. Some owners successfully compete in dressage and other non-traditional venues.

Health considerations center on DSLD risk, which prospective owners should understand before purchase. While not all Peruvian Pasos develop this debilitating condition, its prevalence in the breed makes genetic testing and careful selection important. Buyers should inquire about DSLD history in the horse's family lines and consider genetic testing before significant investment.

Financial requirements for Peruvian Paso ownership align with typical light horse costs. Purchase prices range from $5,000 for pleasure horses to $50,000 or more for show-quality individuals with proven bloodlines. Annual maintenance costs of $3,000-10,000 cover feed, routine veterinary care, farrier services, and facility expenses. Emergency funds of $5,000-10,000 remain advisable.

Time commitment for Peruvian Pasos includes daily care, regular exercise, and grooming attention to maintain their flowing manes and tails. Their intelligent, social natures thrive on regular interaction, making them most suitable for owners who enjoy spending time with their horses beyond basic maintenance. Horses left without adequate attention may develop behavioral issues.

Facility requirements are moderate, with standard pasture and stabling arrangements suitable for most situations. The breed adapts to various climates and management systems. Access to knowledgeable veterinary and farrier care, particularly professionals familiar with gaited breeds, enhances ownership success.

Long-term commitment spans the breed's 25-30 year lifespan, representing decades of care responsibility. Prospective owners should consider their ability to provide appropriate care throughout the horse's life, including potentially managing age-related conditions or DSLD if it develops. The rewards of Peruvian Paso ownership come from this sustained partnership with a truly exceptional breed.