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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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Trail Riding
Performing
At Liberty
In the Show Arena
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