The Peruvian Paso Horse
Rancho Santana Guided Horseback Riding in Chiclayo Lambayeque Peru
The Peruvian Horse is known for beeing the smoothest riding horse in the world. It is distinguished by a natural, four-beat, lateral gait called the paso llano and its movement "termino", a flashy outward-swinging motion of the front legs during their forward stride.
This breed with its ultra smooth gaits and willing personality has been part of Peruvian history and culture for centuries. It has been protected and declared part of the Cultural Heritage of the Nation by the Peruvian government since 1992.
It is typical of the northern Peruvian regions of the country from which it originate.
The Peruvian Paso’s origins begin with horses that were brought to South America during the Spanish Conquest.
They trace their ancestry to several breeds of horse: the Jennet, which existed in the Middle Ages and was noted for its ambling gaits; the Barb, gave it strength and stamina; the Frisian and the Andalucian added conformation and action.
Over time, Peruvian breeders kept the bloodlines clean and selectively, they wanted a strong and hardy animal, that was comfortable to ride and easy to control, a friendly, willing, proud and responive horse with lots of energy.
The "paso llano" is perfect for riding long distances in a short period of time without the horse or the rider gets tired.
Peruvian Horses are mid-sized horses measuring just 14 or 15 hands, or 1.42 metres to 1.52 meters in height.
Rancho Santana invites you to discover the beauty of northern Peru on the back of these amazing horses.