The Peruvian Paso Horse is unquestionably the smoothest ride of any equine breed. However it is critical to know the factors contributing to this desirable trait; some are highly desirable and others due to improper conformation and eventual weakness. Distinguishing between these elements is essential in breeding and purchasing for long term soundness and proper breeding.
First let’s dispense with the negative factors that can contribute to a smooth ride. Long and highly flexible pasterns will provide a “spring cushion” that enhances smoothness but is frequently an early sign of weak suspensory ligaments and are not conducive to long term soundness. Some of these horses have such excess flexibility that the fetlocks make contact with the ground with each step. This is not desirable and few such horses will remain sound with long term or intensive work. The other conformation factor enhancing smoothness and over reach is excessive angulation in the hock; commonly referred to as “sickle hocked’. This helps a horse reach forward with the rear foot but doesn’t't increase the stride and can lead to problems in the hock area due to excess leverage on the hock. An additional factor for smoothness is good timing in the gait but without a long stride. These horses tend to remain sound but cannot cover ground with optimal efficiency or speed and is one of the principal differences in the Peruvian Paso Horse and the Paso Fino. Paso Fino Horses attain smoothness by excellent timing in their four beat bait but most lack the stride to move in gait with the speed of a Peruvian Horse.
The essential elements in conformation for an efficient fast and smooth gait and maintaining soundness are first a long hip angled about 45 degrees down with a sloping croup and low tail set. This conformation allows the horse to naturally reach well forward with each step and ” drive well with the hind quarters”. Each step should ideally reach under the center of gravity of the rider, cover several feet and should at least cap the front hoof position of the ipsilateral front leg. It is even better to over reach the hoof print of the front leg. This means the horse is taking a long powerful stride from the rear quarters and this provides many advantages. The other essential factor in conformation is a long shoulder with an angle of 45 degrees and a loose movement in the shoulder girdle. This enables good “advance” in the forequarter and is essential for ideal coordination of a long stride and over reach in the rear.