Horse breeds / Peruvian Paso
Photo: Hoierman at English Wikipedia · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Peruvian Paso
The Peruvian Paso comes from Peru, where horses of Iberian Spanish stock were developed over centuries in isolation from other breeds. Its ancestors arrived with the Spanish conquest, and the breed was shaped on Peruvian haciendas for riding over long distances, rough terrain and the demands of estate work. It is recognized for its smooth, ground-covering gaits, and the breed was bred to be comfortable for the rider over many hours in the saddle.
For most owners, the Peruvian Paso is a willing, gentle and people-oriented horse with a calm, steady temperament. Its signature gaits, the paso llano and the termino, are smooth and four-beat, which makes it pleasant for trail riding and long hacks. Many of its riders are beginners or adult amateurs who value a sure-footed, comfortable mount, though the breed has a lively side that rewards consistent, patient handling.
Day to day, the Peruvian Paso needs regular turnout, daily work and steady company. It is happiest in a small herd and does best with routine and social contact. Without enough exercise it can become bored, mouthy or pushy, so a consistent schedule of riding and hand-walking keeps it content.
Good for: Trail riders, adult amateurs, comfort-focused riders
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 882 lb |
| Height | 58 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Peru |
Peruvians are an easy keeper, so feed and weight management matter more than most owners expect.
Living with a Peruvian Paso
Exercise
A healthy adult Peruvian Paso should have daily riding or in-hand work plus regular turnout. Lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, boredom and behavior problems like nipping or pushing.
Grooming
The coat is fine and short, so brushing is quick, and the mane and tail are usually left long and full. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks. Clipping is seldom needed unless the horse works hard in winter.
At home
Peruvian Pasos do well with a mix of turnout and stabling, and they handle cold and heat reasonably well for a hardy, well-kept horse. They are happiest in pairs or a small group rather than alone. Most are easy keepers that do well on good pasture and quality hay, with grain added only when work or condition calls for it. Watch their weight, as they can gain easily.
Training
Peruvians are intelligent and eager to please, and they learn quickly with clear, calm cues. Their smooth gaits make them well suited to trail riding, pleasure and endurance-style hacking, and many also show well in gaited classes. A green Peruvian will usually be forward and willing, though it may need time to settle its gait and build the strength for collected work.
Health
Peruvian Pasos can be prone to certain metabolic and hoof-related conditions, and owners should watch for signs of laminitis, especially with rich pasture or weight gain. Ask your veterinarian which screening and preventive care suit your individual horse.
- Laminitis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Peruvian Paso
Forage and water, adult
13–22 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–882 lb, and 8–14 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,750–$4,750
Hay about $1,533, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 85°F, stop at 95°F
Blanket or shelter below 20°F. Bred for heat: fine working in warm weather with water and salt, but a thin coat and skin want a blanket and shelter below about 20°F.
Where a Peruvian Paso is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Peruvian Paso
Shelters and breed rescues list Peruvian Pasos and Peruvian Paso mixes every week. Search adoptable Peruvian Pasos on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Peruvian Paso right for you?
- Yes if you want a smooth, comfortable ride on long trail hacks.
- Yes if you enjoy a willing, people-focused horse with personality.
- Yes if you can give daily work and consistent routine.
- Think twice if you keep your horse alone with little turnout.
- Think twice if you are prone to overfeeding an easy keeper.
Questions owners ask
Is the Peruvian Paso good for beginners?
Yes, many are calm and comfortable, though their spirited side means beginners should ride with an experienced mentor at first.
How much does a Peruvian Paso cost?
Prices vary widely with bloodline, training and location, so get quotes from reputable breeders and compare what is included.
How tall is a Peruvian Paso?
Most stand roughly 14.2 to 15.2 hands, which is about 142 to 152 centimetres at the withers.
How long do Peruvian Pasos live?
With good care they often live 25 to 30 years, and many remain useful riding horses well into their later years.
Are Peruvian Pasos easy keepers?
Yes, they tend to thrive on modest feed, so monitor body condition closely to avoid weight gain and laminitis risk.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.