Peruvian Paso Horse Show
Peruvian Paso horse are renowned for being one of the showiest of all horses and the friendliest as well.
Lima, Peru January 14, 2017
Today we decided to watch the Peruvian Paso Horse Show at DPaso Mamacona. It’s about half an hour taxi ride from Plaza de Armas.
These are the facts about Peruvian Horses :
Arrived with the Spanish
The Peruvian Paso horse descended from the bloodstock which was introduced to Peru from the Spanish, who at the time were the foremost horse breeders in the world. The Spanish horses brought to Peru blended the Barb, the Friesian, the Spanish Jennet, and the Andalusian. For several centuries, no outside blood has been introduced into the Peruvian Paso breed, and they are considered one of the purest breeds in the world. It is now the only naturally gaited breed in the world that can guarantee its gait to 100% of its offspring. Every purebred Peruvian horse has the inherited gait, which is the trademark of the Peruvian breed.
An incredible glide
Peruvian Paso Horse is a breed of light saddle horse known for its smoothest riding horse, which actually explains why the breed is called "Paso" meaning "step". They are born to naturally walk as gaited horse. It is distinguished by a natural, four-beat, lateral gait called the paso llano. Rather than striking the ground in a diagonal pattern like a normal trot, the hooves of Peruvian Paso move in a pattern of left rear, left front, right rear, right front. Under the saddle, they automatically perform one of three four-beat gaits: a walk, a slow, even paso llano that resembles a 4/4 metronome in music, or the quicker and slightly uneven 1-2, 3-4 sobreandando, likened to a musical 2/4 count.
The gait of a Peruvian horse can be as slow as a walk or as fast as an extended trot or slow canter. Both the gait and the flashy leg action are completely natural. They are not induced or aided in any way by artificial training or devices. In fact, both Peru and the United States, Peruvian horses are shown without shoes and with a short, natural hoof.
The Paso Conformation
The unique conformation of the Paso allows its amazing gaits. When not under a saddle, Peruvian Paso’s will exhibit gaits normally seen in other breeds, but with a rider, that smooth, high-stepping glide becomes the default setting. The Paso are the only horse in the world with "termino" , which is a graceful, flowing movement in which the forelegs are rolled towards the outside as the horse strides forward, much like the arm motion of a swimmer. "Termino" is a spectacular and beautiful natural action. The Peruvian Paso breed demonstrates a high degree of self-carriage and collection. They are moderate in height, a typical horse stands between 14 and 15 hands. The weight is commonly between 900 and 1,100 pounds, about the same as Morgans and Arabians.
This breed has well-sprung ribs, wider around than at the girth, and a broad back compact in length. Because of its sturdy build, the Peruvian Paso usually requires a saddle with a wider tree. Hunt-style bridles are often used, although it’s common to see the breed shown in traditional tack, with riders in classic Peruvian dress.
Peruvian Paso Coloring
Peruvian Paso’s come in all basic, solid colors as well as greys and roans. The breed, because of its direct link to the Barb horse, has some striking color tones and shades. Chestnuts, bays, and duns are common, but they are also frequently found in black, buckskin, palomino, grey and roan. White markings on the face and legs are allowed in show.
Allegro Con Brio
The speed and dancer-like movement of the Peruvian Paso come from the brio in the breed’s soul, defined as an eagerness to please and boundless energy. The temperament of the Peruvian horse is one of the world's best, thanks to a long standing Peruvian practice of not breeding animals that have an unsuitable disposition.
Partnering With a Peruvian Horse
Whilst this horse does well in many environments, it may be particularly appreciated by:
Trail riders, including competitive riders
People who own or work large properties
Smaller riders
Riders in areas where wildlife, farm animals, children, or loud noises might spook other breeds
People who live and/or ride in rough or hilly terrain
People with injuries or limited mobility who find other breeds too jarring, especially those with back or hip problems and disabilities
Stables that host equine physical therapy
Intermediate and above riders, or beginning riders under the firm guidance of a trainer experienced with gaited horses
At DPaso Mamacona, the horse show was preceded by a sumptuous lunch with a welcome Pisco sour. There were more than twenty (20) iconic dishes from Peruvian gastronomy characterized by flavor, spice and exotic blends. It included salads, appetizers, main courses and desserts. During our lunch, there were several traditional folkloric dancing presented by professional dancers representing the most classic expressions of music, arts, and Peruvian folklore.
Soon after lunch, we took a walking tour of the hacienda and the stables and pastures.
Peruvian horses are a national icon to the Peruvian culture and they were staged full of color, history and typical horseback riding dances. The performance is all about celebrating patrimony, culture and the Peruvian Paso horse. As we gazed at the stunning horses and their world-renowned smooth lateral gait and choreographed trod, a horsewoman was narrating their history.
In between the Paso horse demonstrations, there was a coastal dance presentation called Marinera. It is the traditional dance of Peru, with the women on foot and the chalanes (riders) on the backs of Peruvian Paso horses. The romantic couple's dance uses handkerchiefs as props and they were very graceful and amazing.
Finally, we left well acquainted with the world of the traditional Peruvian equestrian spectacle!
