While horses are not indigenous to Peru, they have a long history in this country since the arrival of the Spanish. The Peruvian Paso horse is a gem of Peruvian culture that emerged from the colonial era and is still prized today.
When the Spanish arrived to conquer the Americas, they brought with them their classic Andalusian horses – the most outstanding breed of riding horses that existed in Europe at that time. In particular, horses arrived to Peru with Francisco Pizarro in 1531.
In Colonial times in Peru, these horses were needed for transportation and breeding stock. For the conquistadors, the most important qualities they looked for in a good horse was that it had stamina, beauty and a smooth all-day riding gait that was comfortable for riding long distances. For that reason, the Andalusian horses were bred with Barbs and Jennets to create the now-distinct Peruvian Paso breed. The Jennet was perhaps the most important influence in the bloodline, as it known for its unique four-beat ambling gait that is still present in the Peruvian Paso.
Selective breeding, climate, forage and other factors have served to evolve the Peruvian Paso as one of the purest breeds in the world. The horses come in all different colors, from basic solid color to shades of grey and roans. The horse typically reaches a height between 14 and 15.3 hands (1.42 – 1.54 meters) and will weigh between 900 and 1,100 pounds (400 – 500 kilograms) – comparable to Morgan and Arabian breeds.
The Paso Llano
The two basic gaits found in horses are the trot and the amble. The trot utilizes a diagonal movement in which the front and back legs on opposite sides move together in a two-beat gait. The amble is a lateral movement in which the legs on the same side move together in a two-beat movement.
What the Peruvian Paso horse is most known for is its completely natural four-beat lateral gait called the paso llano, or paso castellano. This is a distinctive movement in which the horse moves first its hind leg and then its front let, thus breaking the amble in two parts and creative a four-beat lateral gait. The paso llano is actually a broken gait, but it create a rhythmic and harmonic stepping movement which, in quick advance, allows for the horse’s center of gravity to stay almost immobile. In that way, it is a very smooth and comfortable ride.
Today, Peruvians take pride in the fact that great Peruvian Paso horses are born – not trained. As a result, the animal is what it is today because of more than 400 years of highly-selective breeding. When the horses are “trained,” the training is only to bring out the animals inherent ability – not modify it. To insure the completely natural gait, when horses are professionally shown, they are not allowed in the show ring with shoes or hooves that are longer than four inches.
For those who are interested in horses, the history of the Peruvian Paso horse is fascinating and worth a trip to this country to learn about. In Peru, one can visit a hacienda or ranch and interact with these incredible animals. If you have any questions about these majestic horses or would like to attend a horse show in Peru, we’d be happy to help plan your trip!