Continent: America
Country: Peru
Weight: 400 – 450 kg
Height: 144 – 155 cm
The Peruvian Paso originated along the northern and central coast of Peru, in the arid valleys bordering the Pacific Ocean. It was in these regions that Spanish settlers of the 16th century introduced their horses—mainly Barbs, Andalusian jacas, and Jennets, known for their natural gaits and endurance.
For more than four centuries, the breed evolved in almost complete isolation, with no significant external influence.
This isolation allowed the consolidation of a very homogeneous genetic base, including:
This unique selection occurred on the large estates (haciendas), where the horse was used daily to cover thousands of hectares of sugar cane, cotton fields and cattle lands.
The Peruvian Paso is more than a horse breed: it is a national symbol. It is strongly connected to rural Peruvian traditions, to chalanería (local classical equitation), and to the figure of the chalan, the emblematic Peruvian horseman. Even today, its breeding remains deeply rooted in cultural identity, helping preserve its purity and its distinctive style.
The Peruvian Paso is deeply rooted in its Andean homeland but enjoys a growing international presence thanks to its smooth gaits and comfort.
The Peruvian Paso has exceptional genetic value thanks to the ancient and stable fixation of the paso llano, a perfectly regular four-beat gait with no suspension phase.
This gait is entirely natural and hereditary, making the breed a valuable model for studies on:
The breed has preserved a pure locomotor heritage, extremely rare among modern horses.
With more than four centuries of breeding in isolation, the Peruvian Paso forms a very coherent and genetically stable population.
This homogeneity allows:
It is one of the purest gaited breeds in the world.
The Peruvian Paso is valuable for studying or preserving traits such as:
These traits, often diminished in modern performance-oriented breeds, remain intact in this lineage.
The Peruvian Paso is regarded as a national genetic treasure in Peru.
Conservation efforts aim to maintain a breed that is:
The main goal is to protect the integrity of the paso llano and the morphology that makes it possible.
With the Spanish conquest (1532), Andalusian horses, North-African Barbs, and especially Spanish Jennets (smooth-gaited and highly valued) were imported. Peru quickly became a major breeding center thanks to its coastal climate and fertile valleys.
Large Peruvian haciendas relied heavily on horses for long-distance travel across vast agricultural lands. Breeders systematically selected horses with the paso llano gait, leading to a homogeneous type. Peru’s geographic isolation, less open to imports than Chile or Argentina, preserved the breed’s purity.
The Peruvian Paso became the prestige mount of landowners — elegant, refined, and a symbol of status. It was sometimes called the “Horse of Kings”, reserved for elites and wealthy families. The art of riding the Paso blended into Peruvian cultural traditions (costumes, music, rural celebrations).
Mechanization reduced the horse’s utilitarian role, but from the 1950s–1960s, dedicated breeders revived the breed through shows and gait competitions. In 1968, the ANCPCPP was founded to establish the stud-book and protect breed purity.
The Peruvian Paso is now recognized as an element of Peru’s intangible cultural heritage. In the USA, Europe and several other countries, it has gained popularity as a leisure and show horse. Festivals — especially in Trujillo, known as the “capital of the Paso” — reinforce its worldwide reputation.
The breed’s history perfectly reflects the blend of Iberian heritage and Andean culture: a pure, functional horse shaped by tradition, now elevated to national and international status.
Known for being calm, steady and cooperative. Not nervous or aggressive, making it easy to handle and train.
Highly attentive, responsive and quick to learn. Forms strong bonds of trust with riders.
Despite its docility, it keeps a noble, expressive presence often described as brío — controlled energy combined with natural elegance.
Thanks to its smooth and regular gaits (paso llano and sobreandando), it excels in trail riding, long distances and for riders seeking maximum comfort.
Good herd behavior and generally forms positive relationships with humans, sometimes showing emotional sensitivity.
Can be lively and expressive in shows, but remains manageable and reliable — suitable for both experienced and amateur riders.The Peruvian Paso is a comfortable, noble and pleasant horse that combines brío, gentleness and elegance, making it an exceptional partner for leisure and cultural riding.
The breed benefits from strong cultural and national attachment: it is protected by the ANCPCPP and considered a national heritage. Competitions and festivals (especially in Trujillo and Lima) ensure visibility and continuity. Demand remains stable for traditional use, equestrian tourism and cultural exhibitions.
The United States is now the world’s second breeding hub, with a structured organization and a public attracted by smooth-gaited horses. Europe (Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland) is gradually developing breeding mainly for leisure and show purposes. The market for long-distance trail horses and premium leisure horses favors the breed’s expansion, especially among riders seeking comfort and elegance.
The Peruvian Paso is considered a living genetic treasure, preserving a gait that disappeared from European horses. Selection programs focus on maintaining purity and avoiding genetic drift caused by crossbreeding.
Overall, the breed’s prospects are positive thanks to its cultural prestige in Peru, its international growth in the leisure horse market, and its unique heritage value.
Descended from Iberian and Barb horses, the Peruvian Paso is tough and adaptable to varied climates (arid regions, coastal valleys, rugged Andean terrain).
Often remains rideable and healthy well into its 20s, especially with proper care.
Naturally hard, durable hooves (often dark). Many horses can be ridden barefoot without issues.
Like many gaited breeds, some individuals may show locomotor imbalance if poorly selected or overworked. Occasional joint sensitivity can occur if used too young or on very hard ground. No major widespread genetic disorder has been reported in the breed.
Routine management (deworming, vaccines, dental care) is usually sufficient. Its hardiness allows simple, forage-based diets with minimal supplementation.Overall, the Peruvian Paso is a robust, healthy and long-lasting breed, with few specific pathologies — one of the reasons for its reputation as a reliable and comfortable riding horse.
The paso llano is a natural four-beat gait unique to the Peruvian Paso, positioned between the walk and the trot. Each hoof lifts and lands independently in a perfectly regular sequence: left hind – left front – right hind – right front, creating an even and continuous rhythm.
Unlike the trot, there is no moment of suspension: the horse always keeps at least one hoof on the ground, which makes the movement extremely smooth and virtually shock-free for the rider.
This gait is innate, not trained or induced, and is the hallmark of the Peruvian Paso. The motion is fluid, elegant, and gives the impression of effortless gliding and exceptional stability, even over long distances.
