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