Paso Fino Horse: Breed Profile
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 900 to 1,100 pounds
HEIGHT: 14.1 to 15.2 hands
BODY TYPE: Medium-sized strong, elegant body
BEST FOR: Trail riding, parades
LIFE EXPECTANCY: 20 or more years
Peruvian Paso History and Origins
The Peruvian Paso’s origins begin with horses that were brought to South America during the Spanish Conquest, which began in 1531. These horses came from locations like Spain and Panama to serve as transportation mounts. Peru was home to huge sugar and cotton plantations, requiring owners and staff to travel long distances across the land. These rides could take days, so there was a high demand for smooth-gaited riding horses.
During the 1900s, major highways were constructed and the need for the Peruvian Paso declined in southern Peru. However, the breed was still valued for transportation in the northern areas of the country.
In the 1960s, many breeding operations closed. The breed was, however, growing in popularity in other countries like the United States, so many breeding stock were exported.
The Peruvian Paso has had a resurgence in popularity in Peru over the past 30 years and has also spread worldwide. Approximately 25,000 Peruvian Pasos were located throughout the world in 2003.
Peruvian Paso Size
These medium-sized horses typically stand between 14.1 and 15.2 hands, weighing between 900 and 1,100 pounds. Their build is similar to that of a Morgan or an Arabian, making them comfortable to ride and easy to mount from the ground.
Breeding and Uses
Peruvian Pasos are excellent riding horses. They are often used as trail horses and they make great parade mounts because of their impressive presence. Breeding programs exist throughout the world, with many programs located here in the United States.
Colors and Markings
Because the Peruvian Paso is descended from the Barb, you’ll find Pasos with some stunning colors and brilliant coats. Coat colors include chestnut, black, bay, palomino, buckskin, gray, roan, and dun. These horses also have long, fine manes and forelocks.
The Peruvian Paso is known for its distinctive gaits. In addition to the walk, trot at liberty, and canter, the breed has two natural ambling gaits that are between the walk and trot.
The first gait, called the paso llano, has four equal beats and is very comfortable to ride. The second gait, the sobreandando, is a faster gait. Rather than even beats, the horse pauses between beats two and three. This ground-covering gait is comfortable and the horse can sustain it for long periods of time, making it ideal for traveling long distances. Peruvian Paso horses are born with this gait, and foals can perform it naturally.
The gaits do not create the bounce or moment of suspension that a trot creates, so there’s no need for riders to post. Because two or even three feet are on the ground at any time, the Peruvian Paso feels smooth. Many riders who have back pain seek out these horses because of this.
