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Photo of Ivory Pal by Cheri Prill Tennessee Walking Horse Issue August 2010
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El Caballo de Peruano de Paso (The Walking Horse of Peru)
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.
The Peruvian horse combines qualities, which seem contradictory. This elegant mount has 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 parade rider apart from others, while allowing the rider a comfortable, smooth ride.
"What the Peruvian does, he does better than any horse in the world. He is the absolute master, the ultimate riding horse". Vern Albright
The Peruvian Horse is a tough, strong, never quit, smooth trail horse, a fancy parade horse, the most elegant comfortable ride available for amateurs, children, and professionals. Peruvian Horses must be ridden to be truly appreciated.
The Breed
Although a newcomer to North America, the Peruvian 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 a smooth travelers horse. 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 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.
The Peruvian 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.
The gait of the Peruvian Horse is the Paso Llano--an equally spaced, 4-beat gait. The walk should be a relaxed, equal 4-beat lateral movement. In addition to an easy gait, is the 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 arrogance and exuberance that can only be described as thrilling. "Brio" and stamina give the Peruvian its willingness and ability to perform tirelessly and spectacularly for many hours and many miles in the service of its rider. It is the reason they are versatile and eye catching.
Conformation and Appearance
The Peruvian is a horse of medium size, usually standing between 14 and 15 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 and tail is usually abundant with fine, lustrous hair that may be curly or straight.
The Tack
Traditional Peruvian tack has remained very much true to the heritage of the breed.
Many people choose to show their horses in traditional tack, however, any style may be used for show as long as it conforms to USEF rules.
Traditional headgear is called jato or terno in Peru, made of braided strands of rawhide, consists of three pieces: the halter with its shank; the headstall and reins; and the eye cover and strap. The blinders (tapa ojos) are a very typical piece of the Peruvian gear and can be used in the first stages of training and are also used to keep a horse in place without having to tie him.
The saddle is of a Spanish Conquistador style has its origin in the tack used in most of Europe during the fifteenth century. The stirrups were of two types: the conventional triangular shape and the ones shaped in the form of slippers and made of iron or copper. The tail cover (guarnición) is attached to the crupper to prevent the saddle from slipping forward when riding over rough terrain and has origins in covering and protecting the hind quarters of the horse particularly those with lace/snow markings or Lomo Nevado not seen much in the modern Peruvian. The continued use and the guarnición became a very traditional part of the Peruvian tack.
The North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA)
MISSION STATEMENT: The North American Peruvian Horse Association's mission is to serve as a member-represented equine association; protect the integrity and accuracy of breed records and registration process; provide services to meet the needs of the show and recreational owner/rider; and promote the Peruvian Horse. There are many programs within NAPHA in addition to traditional Shows. Points and awards can be earned in the Junior Rider programs, Joy of Riding Program and High Point Parade, Exhibition, Trail, and Open Show awards.
Peruvian Paso and the Paso Fino are Different Breeds – the difference is told in the names. The Peruvian Paso and the Paso Fino are in fact two different and distinct breeds of horse. The two breeds share some common ancestors in the Old World breeds. The horses that gave rise to each breed came to the New World with different groups of settlers and were generated in entirely separate environments for totally different purposes. 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 translates to Walks Fine or Fine Walker is bred for a short stepping but rapid gait know as a fine or Fino gait. They were developed in and around the Caribbean, Central and South America, and they do not exibit the Peruvian’s distinctive "termino" and long traveling stride. The Paso Fino is of a small compact yet refined build.
The Peruvian Paso literally means Peruvian Walker has a long reaching stride known as the Paso Llano or the Flat Walk - essential in Peru for traveling long distances. Peruvians have a more tractable disposition as well. They are somewhat larger, deeper in the body and wider than the Paso Fino. The Peruvian horse was born entirely within the borders of the country for which it was named.
NAPHA North American Peruvian Horse Association www.napha.net
