Paso Fino Horse: Breed Profile

Diet and Nutrition

A Peruvian Paso’s nutrition needs will vary depending on the type and amount of work that the horse is doing. Horses in intense work may need supplementation with a feed concentrate, while horses in less work may be fine with access to quality hay and grass.

Many Peruvian Pasos are easy keepers, so it may be necessary to limit their access to lush pastures to help keep them at a healthy weight.

Common Health and Behavior Problems

Peruvian Pasos tend to have great temperaments and to be cooperative and easy to train.

This breed is prone to Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis, or DSLD. DSLD is a disease that was first identified in Peruvian Pasos. Horses with DSLD experience heat, swelling, pain, and degeneration in the connective tissues of their lower limbs. This progressive disease usually requires that a horse be retired from riding.

While supportive care methods are available, there is no cure for DSLD at this time, and horses with worsening cases may need to be euthanized if their pain cannot be controlled. The condition can be hereditary, so affected horses should not be bred.

Peruvian Pasos benefit from a regular grooming regimen. Thorough currying can help to keep their coats healthy and shiny. These horses have longer manes and tails, so an owner will need to condition and detangle the hair regularly to help keep it from knotting or breaking.