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Webster's dictionary defines
"luxury" as "the use and enjoyment of the best, most precious
things that offer the most physical comfort and satisfaction."
It may be the single best word in the English language to
describe the Peruvian.
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
parade rider 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
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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.
Peruvian Horse
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.
Peruvian Horse
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 breed 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.
The luxurious Peruvian is a natural
part of the American Dream and he truly belongs to all of us!
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On Line
Membership
Form
Trail Riding
Performing
At Liberty
In the Show Arena
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