What is the Peruvian Horse ?

Bred pure in Peru for hundreds of years this is one of the oldest breeds of horse, and is yet still quite rare in this country. Called the "Cadillac of horse breeds" this breed is unique in being the smoothest riding horse in the world. Coupled with their tractable disposition with inner brio (spirit) they make great trail, parade and endurance horses. Make an appointment now to try a test ride on one of these "no bounce" beautiful horses.

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Here's Roy and Tia and Eclipse on one of our last weekend campouts

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The Peruvian horse comes in most colors and mature at 14 to 15.5 hands. Many people ask "What is the difference between a Peruvian horse and a Paso Fino or the other gaited breeds?" Just like a Morgan horse and an Arab are both trotting breeds, the Peruvian horse and Paso Fino are related by their gait. They both are laterally gaited which means when they go into their intermediate gait that is similar in speed to the trot the legs on the same side move before the legs on the other side do, such as you would see in a pace. But, the timing of the gait is such that each foot hits the ground separately, with the beats being evenly spaced. That is what contributes to the smoothness of the gait because only one foot is ever completely off the ground at the same time. The Peruvian horse was also bred for extension in their gait. Since they were used as the principal means of transportation for the large land owners in Peru, they wanted a horse that could cover a lot of ground at a comfortable speed, and go for long periods of time.

They also exhibit a trait called Termino, an outward swinging of their front legs, an action that comes from their shoulders. This is often a source of controversy from people of other breeds, thinking of it as "winging" but it was bred into the breed on purpose. As well as adding a certain flashiness to their gait, it also helps with the timing.

As a trail horse they have a lot of sensibility about them, but have a lot of heart, and will give you everything they have, and then some. Check out the Lagos Grandes Peruvian Horse Club Site for upcoming trail rides.

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This past year I have been experimenting with breeding my Peruvian mares to a few spot Appaloosa Stallion that is from old foundation lines. Many people do not realize that some of the old style Appy's were also gaited and much prized by the Native Americans. They called them Indian Shufflers. The babies are all beautiful! 3 of the 4 babies came out spotted, and all have the beautiful headsets and presence of the Peruvians. And they gait as well.

Check out my little "Peruloosa" babies here

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Zodiac Ranch

Linda Lundstrom Glaspie and Roy H Parks Jr

Milford, Michigan

248-685-0403 Ranch

248-676-8583 Roy's work

248-676-8584 Roy's fax

linda@zodiacranch.com

RHPJParks@aol.com