Each and every breed of horse has its own special quality that is unique, and the Peruvian Paso is no exception. A low tail set, long mane, forlock and tail, sloping shoulder and pasterns, along with a short compact back, standing between 14 and 15.2 hands are desirable characteristics. But the most unique, 100% of the time, characteristic is, a foal produced from pureblood parents will guarantee the 4 beat lateral gait. This gait is the result of over 450 years of careful selective breeding.
The Spanish explorers in the early 1500's realized their need for an endurable, comfortable, "smooth" ride to seek out the riches of Peru. The Paso is the result of crossing the Andulusian, Friesian, Spanish Barn and Spanish Jennet. This selective breeding was the Peruvian Paso, a smooth side to side, rocking ride, a willing and gentle dispositioned horse, that could travel many miles day after day.
Two terms associated with the breed are "Termino" and "Brio". Termino can best be described as a swimming like motion, the foreleg will move out to the side then down, like a swimmer, with the impact being absorbed by the flexible pasterns. Brio has been translated in many ways. My definition is the horses willingness to please the handler with pride and energy in a controlled manner in an almost arrogant way.
The Peruvian was introduced and imported to America approximately 30 years ago. Now the breed is numbering around 25,000 worldwide, with some larger breeders exporting around the world and a few horses having been returned to Peru.
My involvement with this breed began in 1984 with 2 partbloods, and within 3 years we purchased our first purebood mare. The 1st ride on a pureblood was smoother than I had ever experienced on a horse, which in time became very important to me - in 1989 I blew a disc into my lower spinal cord and surgery was required to repair the damage. At this time I thought I would never ride a horse again. But shortly after surgery I rode my stallion, Diablo de Ventura. This short comfortable ride was helpful to me emotionally and therapeutically. The soft soothing side to side motion relieved some pain and pressure in my back. Since then the pleasure I have experienced has been most rewarding when seeing the smiles and joy of people who have ridden my horses.
Bill Bamberger, Deer Park, WA
More information on the Peruvian Paso can be obtained from the PPHRNA, 3077 Wiljan Ct., Suite A, Santa Rosa, CA 95407, (707) 579-4394 or the AAOBPPH, (510) 895-2720.
