Although fairly new to North America, the Peruvian Paso has a rich heritage that extends back over more than four centuries. Also known as the Peruvian Stepping Horse or Peruvian Ambler, this magnificent animal was introduced to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors, the foremost horse breeders in the world at that time.

The Peruvian Paso is a blend of the Spanish Jennet, the African Barb, the Fresian and the Andalusian. Once established in Peru, the Paso was isolated by geography and design so that no outside blood was ever introduced into the breed. Today, the Peruvian Paso is the only naturally gaited horse in the world that can guarantee its gait to 100% of its offspring without the use of artificial devices or special training aids.

The unique four-beat lateral gait with "termino" is the Peruvian's trademark. Other breeds have a four-beat gait, meaning that each hoof hits the ground at a different time, but the Peruvian adds a graceful, flowing movement called "termino" in which the forelegs are rolled towards the outside as the horse strides forward. This natural movement is often compared to the arm motion of a swimmer and is the reason that the Peruvian provides the "World's smoothest ride". In fact, people with back injuries are often able to continue riding atop a Peruvian. The Peruvian Paso is also one of the showiest horses in the world because of an inner pride and engery called "brio" which makes him always travel with a style as if he were on parade.

The Peruvian Paso was developed to carry a rider over rough and treacherous mountain terrain at high altitude. Because of this, the breed has developed an exeptionally large, strong heart and lungs which enable it to perform admirably in an atmosphere with a very low oxygen level. Additionally, the Peruvian has developed a specialized "mountain sense" or instinct which allows it to pick its way without fear over rocky ground, steep inclines or otherwise unstable terrain. The combination of gait and breeding makes the Peruvian Paso excellent for both the show arena and for trail or pleasure riding.

The Peruvian Paso comes in all solid colors as well as grays and roans. The average height is between 14 and 15.2 hands, while the weight is generally between 800 to 1200 lbs.