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