About the Peruvian Horse
THE PERUVIAN HORSE
Webster’s dictionary defines “luxury” as “the use and enjoyment of the best, most precious things that offer the most
physical comfort and satisfaction.” Luxury may be the single best word in the English language to describe the Peruvian
Horse. There is something for everyone in this elegant animal: smooth riding comfort, high energy, strength, stamina,
intelligence, a tractable disposition, animated, flashy presence and 100% natural action which sets the Peruvian apart
from others.
A BREED APART
The Peruvian Horse transmits its unique smooth gait to its purebred foals.
No artificial devices or special training aids are necessary to enable the horse
to perform its specialty – a natural four-beat footfall of medium speed that
provides a ride of incomparable smoothness and harmony of movement
along with the utmost ground covering ability within one sequence of footfalls.
This signature gait is called “paso llano,” and it is 100% unique to the Peruvian Horse.
FLAIR AND ELEGANCE
In addition to an easy gait, the Peruvian Horse has a brilliant front action
movement typified by the upward lifting of the front legs combined with
“termino”, an outward movement of the front legs similar to the loose
rolling of a swimmer’s arms doing the crawl. Lift and termino are
100% natural, fluid, effortless and well integrated within the gait
sequence. Of all of the traits that distinguish the Peruvian Horse, his
tremendous “brio” is perhaps the most prized by both expert and
novice horse people alike. Brio is an inherent quality of a noble and
willing spirit that enables this tractable horse to perform with an
exuberance that can only be described as thrilling. Brio gives the
Peruvian Horse its willingness and ability to perform tirelessly for
many hours in the service of his rider.
A VERSATILE HORSE
The Peruvian Horse is the world’s greatest riding horse. Smooth to ride,
beautiful to behold and incredible brio – all traits that enable it to serve
its rider in style. The Peruvian is more than a show horse. He was bred and
raised to work hard and provide smooth reliable transportation. Peruvian Horses
excel in many aspects of pleasure riding: trail, CTR, team penning, sidesaddle,
drill teams, musical exercise, showing.
CONFORMATION AND APPEARANCE
Physically, the Peruvian Horse is a horse of medium size and with refinement. Ideal height is between 14 and 15 hands
tall, with good balance and almost even ratios of girth, leg and back. He may be any color. The coat and skin are
refined and the mane is long and abundant with fine, lustrous hair. Bone is refined but dense; in all aspects overall refinement, grace and elegance is desired. Stallions exhibit the powerful arched neck and crest of their Iberian ancestors.
Peruvian Horse breeders pay scrupulous attention to genetics, with the three primary qualities being gait, soundness
and disposition.
TACK OF THE PERUVIAN HORSE
The traditional tack of the Peruvian Horse has remained true to his heritage, but they may be ridden in any type of tack
that fits properly. The headgear, saddle, stirrups and “guarniciones” (tailgear) used today in shows are the traditional
equipment imported from Peru where it has evolved over hundreds of years. Although many people choose to show
their horses in traditional tack, any style may be used. And of course, on the trail anything goes!
Enjoy this majestic and rare breed, THE PERUVIAN HORSE,
The smoothest horse ever to be bred. Test ride one today at a breeder near you!
Reprinted with permission from Peruvian Horse Quarterly • Lisa Walker Photo
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2014 Gold Rush Classic XIV