The requirements for a world class trail horse are stamina, soundness, energy, courage, intelligence and a smooth gait. The Peruvian Horse has been bred for hundreds of years for these qualities. They also possess a unique feature in the movement of their forequarters that enable them to make a long smooth stride without transmitting a rough vertical jolt to the rider. No other breed possesses this wonderful characteristic. When combined with proper conformation and drive from the rear quarters their gait for comfortable and efficient riding on a trail or ranch is ideal. The combination of the four beat timing, termino in the front and powerful over reach from the rear is truly incomparable.
The breed was evolved in Peru for the Iberian horses imported with the Contistadores and were later refined with selective breeding as horses for owners and supervisors to cover large distances each day without the uncomfortable bouncing effect of the trotting breeds. Andalusian, Barb and the Spanish Jennet were the principal breeds used in developing the Peruvian Paso. A small infusion of Fresian blood and perhaps a bit of Arabian genes was also utilized. Horses from these breeds with a natural inclination for a four beat gait and termino were selectively bred. Athletic ability, soundness, a bold attitude and proud carriage were also valued. The Peruvian Paso horse was developed well before the concept of motor vehicles for practical use on the large coastal agricultural Haciendas of Peru, similar to the needs of Plantations in North America for comfortable and efficient horses like the Tennessee Walking Horse. In other portions of Central and South America the Paso Fino breed was developed from virtually the same genetic material of the Iberian horses. However, the other countries did not breed for the wonderfully efficient movement in the front quarters “termino” that enables the Peruvian Horse to have a long stride and cover more distance without sacrifice of smoothness in gait.
The Peruvian Paso Horse is also very sure footed and they love to explore the open trail. Persons new to an experience with gaited breeds appear to have a strong preference for the Peruvian Paso due to the natural smooth gait and other qualities instilled from so many generations of selective breeding.