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With the Spanish conquest of South America, some 500 years ago, Spanish noblemen and political authorities brought their horses from Spain; since they departed from Spanish Andalusia the horses were Andalusian Barbs. As from the beginning of the 16th century through selective breeding one created a breed with characteristics different from any other in the world. Breeding aim was a horse that could carry his rider with utmost comfort over long strides in rough hilly country. At the same time he should walk with beauty, inner pride and energy. (See Video) |
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In the Peruvian tradition only foals that did have these attributes were permitted to breed, the others had a less fortunate destiny. The Peruvian Paso has evolved as one of the purest breeds in the world and has been called “the greatest triumph of genetic selection ever achieved by a group of breeders”. The Peruvian breed has the unique characteristic of being the only natural laterally gaited breed, which can guarantee its inherited gait to 100 % of its offspring. Over the last decades horse lovers became interested in horses with comfortable gaits, which is why the Paso is now spreading over the world. However the breed remains quite exclusive. In Belgium there are less than 30, in the Netherlands a few tens, in Germany a few hundreds and several thousands in North and South America.