Peruvian Stepping Horse
The Peruvian Stepping Horse, also known as the Peruvian Paso horse or Peruvian Horse, is a breed that has a rich history and distinct characteristics. Their uniqueness and beauty have made them popular among enthusiasts worldwide.
Peruvian Stepping Horse History
The Peruvian Stepping Horse breed originated in Peru, where they were selectively bred by Andean cultures for over 500 years. The breed was developed for practical purposes like transportation, agriculture, and military purposes.
Peruvian Paso horses were first noticed by the Spanish conquistadors in the sixteenth century. However, it wasn’t until the sixteenth century that they received recognition and were appreciated for their unique abilities.
The breed has been carefully bred by successive generations, culminating in the development of the Peruvian Stepping Horse. Peruvian Stepping Horses first came to America in the early 1900s, where they gained in popularity among South American and North American horse enthusiasts.
Peruvian Stepping Horse Temperament
Peruvian Stepping Horses are known for their intelligent and gentle temperament. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their steady and calm temperament makes them well-suited for both novice and experienced horse riders.
Peruvian Stepping Horses are also great with other animals. Their pleasant temperament, combined with their natural leader abilities, makes them a great companion for other livestock in the barn.
Peruvian Stepping Horse Height
The Peruvian Stepping Horse is a small horse that stands around 14 to 15 hands. They can weigh anywhere from 900 to 1200 pounds. Their size makes them very agile, making them great for riding on trails and in natural environments.
Peruvian Stepping Horse Characteristics
The Peruvian Stepping Horse is known for its unique and stylish gait. It’s the breed’s natural gait of moving with a forward motion with their front legs in a reach and the back legs in a cross that makes them stand out from other breeds. This comes from their shoulder and hip amplitude with longer femurs and lower hocks.
This smooth stepping is known as the “Paso llano” or “plain step,” which means that their gait is very comfortable to ride. This characteristic makes them perfect for people who love to ride for long hours with little fatigue.
Peruvian Stepping Horses also possess thick and dense bone structures that make them durable and able to handle difficult terrains with ease.
Peruvian Stepping Horse Lifespan
Peruvian Stepping Horses can expect to live between 25-30 years, which is longer than many of the other horse breeds. This makes them the ideal companion for those who want to have a lifelong friendship with their horse.
Peruvian Stepping Horse Colors
Peruvian Stepping Horses come in a variety of colors that include chestnut, bay, black, gray, palomino, and cremello. They also can come with markings and patterns such as stockings, socks, and stars, among others.
Peruvian Stepping Horse Health
Peruvian Stepping Horses are relatively healthy and do not encounter many health issues, thanks to the selective breeding process they have undergone. However, they can suffer from animal-specific illnesses that affect equines. They can be prone to ulcers, laminitis, colic, and parasites, among other health issues.
In conclusion, the Peruvian Stepping Horse is an incredible breed that has earned its place amongst the most celebrated horses in the world. Their unique characteristics, personality, and style have resulted from centuries of careful breeding in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
If you’re curious to learn more about the Peruvian Stepping Horse breed, visit local breeders, and get a firsthand experience. These horses are sure to enchant you with their gait, personality, and presence.