Peruvian
Horse
Breed Description:
This horse, one of the world's last remaining naturally gaited breeds,
is becoming a sensation among American horse enthusiasts for several
very good reasons. There is "something for everyone" in this smooth,
elegant animal; riding comfort, strength and stamina for the avid trail
rider; calm tractable disposition so important in the family mount;
arrogant, flashy presence and action which set the exhibitor and
parader apart from others, and investment potential solidly supported
by its relative rarity and increasing popularity.
A
RICH HERITAGE
Although a newcomer to North America, the Peruvian had its origins over
four centuries ago in South America, where the horses brought to Peru
by the conquistadores and subsequent Spanish settlers were bred
selectively to produce the genetic miracle which became the "National
Horse of Peru." The judicious fusion of several Old World breeds
provided the foundation for the Peruvian horse. The Spanish Jennet gave
its even temperament and smooth ambling gait, the African Barb
contributed great energy, strength and stamina while the Andalusian
imparted its excellent conformation, action, proud carriage and beauty
to the new breed. Once established, the Peruvian was maintained in its
native country as a closed population, isolated by geography and the
dedication of its creators from the influence of additional outside
blood.
A
BREED APART
Today, the Peruvian transmits its smooth gait to all 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.
In addition to an easy gait, the Peruvian's creators desired their new
breed to retain brilliant action typified by lift as the knee and
fetlock flex, combined with "termino," a movement of the front legs
similar to the loose outward rolling of a swimmer's arms in the crawl.
Perhaps the most misunderstood of all traits that distinguishes the
Peruvian horse is "brio," a quality of spirit that enables this
tractable horse to perform with an arrogance and exuberance that can
only be described as thrilling. "Brio" and stamina give the Peruvian
its willingness and ability to perform tirelessly for many hours and
many miles in the service of its rider.
Physically, the Peruvian is a horse of medium size, usually standing
between 14.1 and 15.2 hands tall, with a powerful build. He may be
chestnut, black, brown, bay, buckskin, palomino, gray, roan or dun;
with the solid colors, grays and dark skin considered most desirable.
The mane is abundant with fine, lustrous hair that may be curly or
straight.
PERUVIAN/PASO
FINO
Many people assume a close relationship between the Peruvian and the
Paso Fino. Although the two breeds share some common ancestors in the
Old World breeds that are their forebears, the horses that gave rise to
each came to the New World with different groups of settlers and were
generated in entirely separate environments for totally different
purposes.
The Paso Fino was developed in and around the Caribbean, Central and
South America, while the Peruvian horse was born entirely within the
borders of the country for which it was named. The Peruvian is somewhat
larger, deeper in the body and wider. Both have high head carriage and
front leg lift, are smooth to ride and exhibit basically the same
four-beat footfall although it is executed differently. The Paso Fino
is not bred for the distinctive "termino" and its finest show gait does
not require the length of stride so essential in Peru for traveling
long distances. In addition, the Peruvian can guarantee transmission of
its gait to all purebred foals.
A
BRIGHT FUTURE
While the heritage of the Peruvian horse cannot - and should not - be
denied, its purely recreational role in this country is shaping an
animal that appeals particularly to the American sense of beauty and
function. As a result, more and more of this country's horsemen are
finding the comfort and excitement of owning a horse that can be ridden
successfully by anyone who wishes the thrill and luxury of this
marvelous breed. The show ring - even at National levels - is full of
amateur and junior riders who compete and win in every type of halter
and performance class. The NAPHA National Show has often offered a new
horse trailer to the High Point Performance Horse of the Show. It has
often been won by a Junior exhibitor.
An important force in the past and the very bright future of the
Peruvian horse is the North American Peruvian Horse Association. There
exists here in the Peruvian's adopted homeland an enthusiastic and
dedicated group of horsemen who believe this horse rightly belongs to
the American way of life. These owners are committed to the advancement
of the breed and its increasing acceptance by the pleasure-riding
public. They have launched a campaign to inform and invite all horse
lovers in this country to find this "best kept secret" for themselves.
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