Peruvian Paso Horse Breed Guide: Characteristics, Health & Nutrition

The Peruvian Paso is an elegant breed celebrated for its exceptionally smooth gait, refined appearance, and rich cultural heritage.

With their distinctive paso llano gait, the Peruvian Paso offers a riding experience that is both effortless and visually striking. Known for their brío, or controlled spirit, these horses combine power, willingness, and grace in a compact, athletic frame.

Owing to their famed endurance and natural presence, they are equally suited for leisurely trail rides or formal exhibitions. Their calm demeanor and strong bond with handlers also make them a favorite among dedicated amateur riders.

While the Peruvian Paso is an upstanding mount, like many gaited breeds, they may be predisposed to certain genetic and musculoskeletal conditions, making preventive management an essential part of their care.

Keep reading to learn more about the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of Peruvian Paso horses.

Peruvian Paso Horse History

The Peruvian Paso has a long history that spans centuries and continents. With origins dating back to the Spanish conquest of the Americas, this breed was shaped by necessity and tradition.

Origin

The roots of the Peruvian Paso can be traced back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors introduced Iberian horses to South America. ^[1]

These included Andalusians, Spanish Barbs, and the now-extinct Jennet, a naturally gaited breed known for its comfortable, ambling movement. ^[1]

Isolated in the unique environment of coastal and mountainous Peru, ambling horses quickly gained popularity thanks to their smooth gait over varied terrain. Generations of breeding in isolation without outside influences allowed a distinct Peruvian breed to emerge. ^[2]

The result was the Caballo de Paso Peruano, or Peruvian Paso Horse, a national treasure recognized for their naturally inherited four-beat lateral gait, called the paso llano.

Historic Use

Historically, the Peruvian Paso was used as a plantation and ranch horse by landowners who required a smooth, efficient mount for traveling across large estates. These horses were expected to cover long distances over rugged terrain without tiring the rider. ^[3]

Unlike many other breeds shaped by utilitarian work, the Peruvian Paso was developed from the outset for riding comfort and pleasure. This purpose led to the preservation of its distinctive gait and the elegant termino, a rolling motion of the front legs that adds flair to their movement. ^[4]

The breed is still used for pleasure riding, especially trail riding, and is showcased in traditional competitions that highlight gait quality, brío, and classical tack rooted in Peruvian heritage.

In 1992, the Peruvian government declared the Peruvian Paso a Cultural Heritage of the Nation, protecting the breed as an essential part of Peru’s history and culture. ^[3]

Breed Registry

The preservation of the Peruvian Paso’s unique traits has long been supported by dedicated breed organizations, both in its homeland and abroad.

Based in Lima, Peru, the Asociación Nacional de Criadores y Propietarios de Caballos Peruanos de Paso (ANCPCPP) is the original registry for the breed worldwide. It maintains strict standards for conformation, gait, and breeding practices.

Founded in 1996, North American Peruvian Horse Association (NAPHA) is the leading breed registry in the United States and Canada. It upholds the breed standards set by the ANCPCPP while promoting the Peruvian Paso’s presence in North America.

Breed Characteristics

Built for comfort and endurance, the Peruvian Paso reflects centuries of selective breeding focused on performance, elegance, and rideability.

Conformation

The Peruvian Paso is a compact horse with an athletic build designed for efficient movement and rider comfort. Breed standards emphasize strength, balance, and fluidity rather than sheer size. ^[4]

Desirable conformation traits in Peruvian Pasos include: ^[4]

• Height: 14.1 – 15.2 hands
• Head: Refined with a straight or slightly convex profile
• Neck: Arched and well set, allowing for natural collection
• Back: Short and strong, contributing to a smooth gait
• Shoulders: Long and sloping, aiding in stride length and reach
• Legs: Clean and well-muscled with strong, durable hooves
• Hindquarters: Well-developed and rounded, providing drive for their signature gait

Gait

Peruvian Pasos are a gaited breed, meaning they naturally perform ambling gaits not seen in other breeds of non-gaited horses. Rather than using the typical two-beat trot, they move in a natural four-beat lateral rhythm faster than a walk but slower than a canter. ^[2]

The breed is best known for the paso llano, an even four-beat gait that resembles the rhythm of a 4/4 metronome and has no moment of suspension, making it exceptionally smooth to ride. They may also perform the sobreandando, a quicker, slightly uneven four-beat gait with a 1–2, 3–4 rhythm, likened to a 2/4 musical count. ^[4]

One of the most defining features of the Peruvian Paso is termino, a deliberate outward rolling motion of the forelegs that adds elegance to their movement. This is distinct from paddling, which is uncontrolled and considered a fault in other breeds. ^[4]

Colors

Peruvian Pasos come in a wide variety of coat colors. Acceptable colors include:

• Bay
• Chestnut
• Black
• Grey
• Buckskin
• Palomino

White markings are permitted but are typically moderate. ^[4]

Grullo, perlino, cremello, and silver dapple may occur, but are less common. Pinto patterns are not typical and generally not desirable in formal breed shows, though they may appear occasionally.

Temperament

Peruvian Pasos are known for their unique temperament, described in the breed’s cultural lexicon as brío. This term refers to a spirited, controlled energy that characterizes a willingness to perform paired with a calm and willing nature. ^[4]

These intelligent horses are quick to learn and responsive to subtle cues. They are also loyal and people-oriented. Many bond closely with their rider or handler.

While Peruvian Pasos often have a spirited presence, they should be easily manageable without being overly reactive. This combination of energy and trainability makes the breed suitable for a range of riders.

Disciplines

Although not typically seen in traditional English or Western competition circuits, the Peruvian Paso excels in areas that highlight its natural talents and cultural heritage.

Their smooth gait and stamina make them ideal mounts for long-distance trail riding. Riders often choose Peruvian Pasos for their comfort and low-impact movement, particularly people with back or joint issues.

Breed shows assess gait quality, conformation, and presentation. Horses are exhibited in traditional Peruvian tack and attire, maintaining a strong link to cultural roots. Their regal movement and flashy appearance also make them favorites for ceremonial use and parades.

Intro to Equine Nutrition

Gain a deeper understanding of your horse's nutrition needs. This free introductory course provides a foundation for horse owners to learn how to balance your horse's diet.

Enroll Now

Peruvian Paso Health

Peruvian Pasos are generally healthy, hardy horses. However, like other gaited breeds, they may be predisposed to specific musculoskeletal and metabolic conditions.

Genetic Diseases

One of the most significant heritable concerns in the Peruvian Paso breed is Degenerative Suspensory Ligament Desmitis (DSLD), a progressive, systemic disorder of the connective tissue that affects the suspensory ligaments.

DSLD causes systemic degeneration of connective tissues, particularly the suspensory ligaments. This leads to chronic pain, dropped fetlocks, and lameness. There is no cure for DSLD, and treatment is mainly palliative, focusing on pain management and supportive hoof care. ^[5]

The condition has been observed in several gaited breeds, including the Peruvian Paso and Paso Fino. While no single gene has been identified, familial clustering in Peruvian Pasos strongly suggests a heritable component in DSLD. ^[6]

Health Problems

Due to their unique gait and the lateral movement of their forelegs, Peruvian Pasos may experience increased stress on joints, tendons, and pasterns if not properly conditioned or if hoof balance is compromised. ^[7]

Routine farrier care and balanced trimming are critical to reducing strain and maintaining healthy movement.

As they age, some Peruvian Pasos may be prone to developing Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID), also known as Equine Cushing’s disease. This is a progressive endocrine disorder that can affect coat shedding, energy levels, and immune function. ^[8]

Early detection through ACTH testing and veterinary management can greatly improve quality of life for horses affected by PPID. Some research suggests an association between DSLD and PPID in horses. ^[8]

PPID sometimes overlaps with equine metabolic syndrome, which is also commonly observed in Peruvian Pasos and related breeds. ^[9]

Care and Management

Peruvian Pasos thrive with lifelong, quality basic care that meets their physical, mental, and behavioral needs. These horses benefit from attentive management practices tailored to their unique gaited movement and predisposition.

• Hoof Care: Trimming every 6–8 weeks by an experienced farrier familiar with gaited horses to maintain a balanced hoof and prevent excess strain.
• Veterinary Exams: Schedule annual wellness exams including metabolic screenings to monitor for insulin dysregulation or PPID, especially in aging horses. Regular lameness evaluations focused on early detection of DSLD symptoms such as dropped fetlocks or stiffness ensure timely intervention.
• Dental care: Annual dental floatation helps ensure overall digestive and nutritional health. Aging horses may require additional dental support and management changes.
• Exercise and Turnout: Provide regular, low-impact exercise and turnout to support a healthy weight and maintain musculoskeletal health.

With attentive care and early screening for common health conditions, most Peruvian Pasos enjoy long, comfortable lives as reliable riding partners.

Peruvian Paso Nutrition

Proper nutrition plays a critical role in long-term well being. Feeding your Peruvian Paso requires a careful balance between meeting their nutritional needs while avoiding excess calories that can lead to obesity.

Weight Maintenance

Peruvian Pasos tend to be easy keepers with efficient metabolisms, making them susceptible to weight gain when fed high-sugar diets or given unrestricted access to rich pasture. ^[9]

Horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) are at risk of laminitis and may exhibit cresty necks, abnormal fat deposits, and elevated blood insulin levels.

Maintaining a healthy body condition through a balanced diet and regular exercise is important for keeping Peruvian Pasos in optimal health.

To support metabolic health, maintain a body condition score (BCS) between 4 and 6. Avoid overfeeding and closely monitor weight, especially in spring when pasture quality improves.

Sample Diet

The following is a sample diet for a 450 kg (1,100 lb) mature Peruvian Paso with normal body condition in moderate work.

 

Most Peruvian Pasos can meet their energy and calorie needs on a forage-only diet. While forage supports digestive health and natural feeding behaviors, additional vitamin and mineral fortification is necessary to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients.

Hay is often deficient in specific vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. ^[10] Feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement can help balance the diet and fill these nutritional gaps.

Mad Barn’s Omneity^® is an all-in-one supplement formulated to balance a forage-based diet. This formula provides vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support hoof health, coat quality, metabolic function, the immune system and overall health and wellness in Peruvian Pasos.

Omneity® Pellets

5 stars		87%
4 stars		7%
3 stars		3%
2 stars		2%
1 star		2%

1067 Reviews

Shop Now

• 100% organic trace minerals
• Complete B-vitamin fortification
• Optimal nutrition balance
• Our best-selling equine vitamin

Forage

Forage should be the foundation of your Peruvian Paso’s diet. Average-quality, mature grass hay is a good option for this breed. Choose low- to moderate-NSC (< 10%) hay to reduce the risk of insulin dysregulation. ^[9]

Unrestricted pasture access may not be appropriate for Peruvian Pasos with metabolic health concerns. ^[9] Consider using a grazing muzzle and limiting access during the spring and fall, when pasture grasses contain high levels of sugars.

A forage analysis that tests hay for sugar, starch, protein, and mineral content is strongly recommended to determine if your forage is appropriate for your Peruvian Paso.

Feeding Recommendations

When developing a feeding program for your Peruvian Paso, start by minimizing or eliminating grain-based feeds, since these horses are prone to metabolic sensitivity. Watch closely for a cresty neck or regional fat deposits, which are early signs of insulin resistance, and adjust your horse’s ration accordingly.

You might find it helpful to weigh your horse’s ration to ensure they receive the appropriate amount. Rather than offering large grain meals that can spike blood sugar, break the daily allowance into several smaller feedings to promote steady energy levels and digestive health.

In addition to ample forage, all horses need access to clean, fresh water at all times. A salt block helps encourage hydration, but most horses don’t consume enough to meet their sodium requirements without loose salt added to the daily ration. ^[11]

With a well-balanced diet and good management, Peruvian Pasos can maintain health, performance, and longevity well into their senior years.

Nutritional Supplements

The top priority for any horse is a balanced, forage-first diet tailored to their individual needs. However, targeted supplementation can support specific health concerns in the Peruvian Paso.

• W-3 Oil: Provides DHA with anti-inflammatory properties to support metabolic health, comfortable joints, and coat shine
• Optimum Probiotic: A broad-spectrum formula that promotes digestive health and efficient nutrient absorption, especially during periods of stress or dietary change
• MSM: Supports joints, tendons, and ligaments. Often included in the management of DSLD and other soft tissue concerns

Always consult with an equine nutritionist before introducing new supplements to ensure a balanced feeding program.

Submit your Peruvian Paso’s diet online for a free evaluation from our qualified equine nutritionists.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Peruvian Paso breed:

Summary

The Peruvian Paso is a refined, gaited horse known for its comfortable ride, elegant movement, and strong cultural heritage. With proper care and nutrition, this breed excels as a sound, willing partner for both pleasure riding and traditional exhibitions.

• Peruvian Pasos perform a smooth, four-beat paso llano gait and display a distinctive foreleg motion known as termino
• Developed in Peru from Iberian ancestors, the breed was shaped for rider comfort and endurance over rugged terrain
• Brío, a spirited yet controlled temperament, defines their trainable, loyal nature and makes them suitable for many riders
• DSLD is a heritable concern in the breed, along with potential risks for PPID and metabolic disorders in older or easy-keeping horses
• A forage-based diet with balanced mineral support helps maintain metabolic health, joint comfort, and connective tissue integrity
• Routine farrier care, veterinary exams, and low-impact exercise are essential for preserving movement quality and long-term soundness