by Shirley Reese

During the 50's, the 60's, the 70's and even the 80's, the mention of the Peruvian Paso Horse led to the question:

"THE PERUVIAN PASS-O WHAT"?

Yes, unheard of by the average horse owner and considered too strange and different for their equine wants and needs.  "Can this animal walk?"  "Why do they have that funny paddle?"  "Is it true that the termino comes from climbing the steep mountains and terrain of Peru?"  "They look like range animals at first glance!  Not only that, but the Peruvian music sounds weird and eerie!" 

How often have you heard these questions and remarks?

As the 90's approached people were taking a second look at these majestic floating equines with the long flowing manes and tails. Even investment columns in leading magazines were suggesting the Peruvian Paso as the horse to watch as the future equine investment.  Those with severe back pain were hearing about this smooth, back soothing animal from chiropractors and even their primary care doctors.  The Peruvian Paso Horse finally got their attention!

Now, here we are:  A New Century. 

Introduced by the Conquistadors over 500 years ago into a quaint deprived country, the Peruvian Paso was considered a valuable treasure.  Select breeding was followed in those early days, with methods handed down to sons and grandsons until the present day Peruvian Paso was perfected. The history of the breed tells an interesting story and depicts the love and care put into their breeding program, achieving the smoothest equine in the world who can pass 100% gait to their offspring. No artificial devices are used to obtain the gait you see this animal perform.

A strong, willing horse, as well as the number one trail horse of this century, lead to a refreshing and energetic rider at the end of the trail, even with long hours astride.  An adored family pleasure horse, the Peruvian Paso is also a competitive show ring contender.

The characteristic that unknowing viewers call "the Paddle" is a swimming like action, originating in the shoulder and is referred to as Termino.  Yes, it is bred into the Peruvian Paso and is a showy display adding to the worthwhile and desired traits of the horse.  A four beat lateral gait depicts the smoothest of smooth ride. The agility of the Peruvian Paso horse was first noted in the bull fighting ring as the horse darted in and out among the bulls. 

The tack for the show ring is still kept quite traditional with a fine array of ornaments which are pleasing to the eye and very historic. You will note the stirrup, a pyramid of rare wood with an insert for the toe of the rider's boot. In the beginning the stirrups were used by the desert riders to tether their horses when the stirrups were buried in the sand.  The stirrup could be used as a drinking utensil, a candle holder or even as a weapon, if the rider would be attacked during a long ride.

The ornamental headsets are hand braided from goat hide and can take as long as a year to create. One mild bit is used for all Peruvian Pasos.  This type of bit aids in a very humane training method.  The saddle itself is a four point tree created with comfort in mind.  Some riders compare it with their favorite rocking chair.  Show ring dress is again in keeping with the traditional fashion of Peru.

See for yourself this wonderous creature known as THE EQUINE OF THE FUTURE!  Become acquainted with the owners and breeders.  Begin your journey and adventure into equine history. 

Feel welcome to call club members and find out more information.  Meet the finest and proudest group of equine owners and breeders.

Best yet, RIDE THE EQUINE SPOILER  --  BETTER KNOWN AS:

The Peruvian Paso Horse