| One of the draws of travelers to Peru is the Peruvian | | | | Used as a riding horse, this breed is characterized by a |
| Paso Fino horse. This breed shares a long history of | | | | unique gait where 4 equal beats are performed |
| work, show and pride for Peru. This medium sized | | | | laterally creating a non jolting ride that requires no |
| horse came at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Bred | | | | posting and leaves the rider free of back or body |
| for distance, strength, stability and sturdiness, this horse | | | | discomfort. The "termino" (one of the terms used to |
| was used historically by land overseers to cover great | | | | describe this breed's particular aspects), is |
| distances on the Haciendas. Today its purebred | | | | characterized by the horses' front lower legs rolling to |
| lineage is maintained by breeders, is widely used by | | | | the outside during the stride forward, is similar to the |
| rural farmers and for tourism. | | | | arms of a swimmer. The 'brio' is a contradictory term |
| They are often seen running wild in the Quebradas, | | | | that combines the Paso's arrogance, spirit, and a sense |
| threshing grain and walking on trails carrying goods and | | | | of always being on parade with a willingness to please |
| people into the countryside.. Farmers leave the horses | | | | the rider. |
| in the Quebradas for most of the year, only taking | | | | Discovering the Cordillera Blanca by horseback is |
| them out to help with the harvest. A joy to watch | | | | increasing in popularity. Hourly rentals, day trips and |
| from June to August, they form part of a team (which | | | | overnights can be found around Caraz, Olleros , |
| includes sheep, cows, and donkeys) that are positioned | | | | Yungar , and northeast of Huaraz (at the Lazy Dog |
| by weight and hoof size to thresh the wheat and | | | | Inn). The Lazy Dog Inn offers horse trips from 2 - 5 |
| other grains. Due to their work load, these horses may | | | | hours in the mountains behind them for their guests |
| lack the roundness we love to see. However, they | | | | and non-guest riders as well. Call in advance for |
| lead long and healthy lives and continue to be high | | | | reservations. |
| spirited, social animals. | | | | |