PERUVIAN
HORSES.
"450 years
of selective breeding has developed the smoothest naturally gaited
horse in the world," say proud Peruvian Horse owners. A
naturally smooth, non-trotting horse, the Peruvian is rapidly
gaining popularity as the Peruvian Horse Association of Canada
statistics attest. Registrations, transfers, exports and semen
transfers all show increases, as the Peruvian Horse finds its
way into more and more ownerships. The PHAC was incorporated
under the Livestock Pedigree Act of Canada June 9, 1980, although
some breeders claim to have been raising Peruvian Horses in Canada
for a much longer time.
The history of
the breed is very interesting indeed. These horses have a unique,
inborn, four-beat lateral gait, (often referred to as a "single-foot")
making the Peruvian the smoothest riding horse in the world.
Due to the inner pride and energy of this horse, it travels with
style and grace; its movement seems to be constantly "on
Parade". Gaits of the Peruvian are as slow as a walk, or
as fast as an extended trot or slow canter. The flashy leg action
is completely natural. In North America and Peru, Peruvian horses
are shown without shoes and with a short, natural hoof.
Descended from
three breeds, the Andalusian, the Spanish Barb, and the Spanish
Jennet, many centuries of selective breeding have resulted in
perfection of this breed. The stylish action in the forelegs
of the horse is called "termino" and originates in
the shoulder with an outward rolling motion of the front legs.
The action resembles the arm motions of a swimmer. Training of
the Peruvian horse is very easy, settling the young horses into
moving steadily and quietly. Dispositions of these horses are
outstanding, due mainly to the emphasis in breeding practices
to refrain from breeding any animals with unsuitable natures.
Colors of the
Peruvian Horse breed vary, but many are buckskin, black, light
and dark chestnut, bay, palomino and gray, as well as other colors
with or without white markings.
In this breed
there is something for both the experienced and beginning rider.
When the hind hoof of a Peruvian horse touches the ground a second
before the fore hoof, there is no jarring effect of the pace
or trot. Horse fanciers from many nations are turning to the
Peruvian as an ideal mount for the avid horseman who enjoys the
pleasures of trail riding on a horse so smooth riders can carry
filled champagne glasses without spilling a drop! When the hind
hoof touches the ground a fraction of a second before the fore
hoof, there is no jarring effect of a true pace, and causes the
rider virtually no up and down movement. The horse absorbs the
motion in its back and loins, giving the rider great comfort.
In early days in South America, breeders bred these horses for
the purpose that horse and rider could go for many miles, day
after day, without either becoming tired. That is still the case
today.
Kind treatment
of all breeds of horses, will result in a kind disposition, but
with the Peruvian horse specifically, response to this kind attention
makes for a marvelous family horse.
The breed standard
calls for a size of 14 to 15.1 hands, with some individuals under
and some over. The Peruvian horse continues to develop until
its fifth year of life. Many Peruvian horses are active on the
trails well into their twenties, and stallions have been know
to breed until the age of 30.
Many versatile purposes find the Peruvian
performing in Western, English, Trail Riding, pleasure and show.
They are sometimes used in gymkhanas, western timed events, polo
and endurance riding. They show eagerness to succeed at something
new, and are sometimes trained to foxhunt and drive in harness.
With their Barb heritage, they are excellent for moving cattle.
To quote Mimi
Busk-Downey, breeder of fine Peruvians on Crescent Moon Ranch
of Acme, Alberta, "The Peruvian Horse had the fire I was
looking for, combined with great tractability and the best 'locked-in'
gait of any breed I have experienced before or since. I liked
the fact that the Peruvian comes from a small gene pool which
has been kept quite pure for centuries." The Downeys employ
a professional trainer from Peru, Milciades Alvarado who has
over 30 years of experience and is a master reinsman (Maestro
Enfrenador). His quiet, natural way of riding is perfect for
bringing out the inborn quality of gait and temperament.
Peruvian horse
owners often participate in organized trail rides, called Cabalgatas,
or they show in Peruvian shows like the ones listed following.
Take some time and plan to attend one of these shows. You will
be amazed at these unique and wonderful Peruvian horses!
Visit our sales
and breeders section to find your Peruvian
Can-Am International
Championship Show
Black's Equestrian Center
July 21 and 22, 2001
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
2001 BC Regional
Championship Show
July 27, 28 & 29, 2001
Armstrong, B.C. Canada
2001 Canadian
National Championship Show
September 21, 22 & 23, 2001
The Westerner, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Judge: The Honorable Mary Donald
For further information contact Lynn Moker
(403) 343-2814
U.S. National
Championship Show
October 11-14, 2001
Glen Rose, Texas U.S.A.
Judge: Mariano Cabrera
