CLICK HERE for a map of the central forest riding trails

Fast Facts:

• Peruvian Pasos are very strong for their size and have a lot of natural endurance.
• "Brio" is a term to describe the vigor, energy, exuberance, courage and liveliness in a Peruvian Paso. It automatically implies that these qualities are willingly placed in the service of the rider.
• Peruvian Pasos grow exceptionally long manes and tails and have very strong hooves.
• A Peruvian Paso can "gait" (move very smoothly) faster than most horses can trot.
• A Peruvian Paso has five gaits: walk, paso llano, sobreandando, canter/lope and gallop.
• Peruvian Pasos move with ”Termino” - an outward swinging leg action, originating from the shoulder, in which the front lower legs roll to the outside during the stride forward, similar to a swimmer's arms .

The Way I See It
by Robert M. Miller, D.V.M.

Myths and Mystiques of the Peruvian Paso

NEARLY 3 decades ago I was treating some patients at an Arabian stable at Calabasas, California. The stable was in a small valley at the foot of some steep hills.

Suddenly, I heard a clattering on the hillside above me, and I looked up to see. . . an apparition. A rider clothed all in white, with a flat, broad brimmed hat and a flowing cape was coming down the hill on a peculiar looking mare with an amazing gait. She was moving at a rapid, four-beat gait, her forelegs rotating outward in a most unusual manner.   Read More 
 

The Essence of Gait
by Mimi Busk-Downey 

When conducting a seminar I always start with a question for the participants: "What makes a horse gait?"

Some people answer: "Inheritance?" "Inborn ability?" "Conformation?"

Still others just look startled, realizing that that they had not thought much about just what makes their horse gait. Yet we are involved with gaited breeds, and many would argue that gait is these breeds' single most defining characteristic.

So what does make a horse gait?   Read More 
 

Breeding Systems
& Selection
by Mimi Busk-Downey 

Riding the
Peruvinan Horse