Definitions
Gait ; While the Paso can have the same types of gait as other horses they also are born with their own (breed) specific gaits. The paso is known and bred for an extremely smooth gait that is unique to the breed. It is a four beat even tempo gait that although looks very energetic can be maintained by horses in good shape for long periods over long distances. The gait can be so smooth that many persons with various disabilities that would otherwise not be able to ride are now able to.
The Paso gait is a lateral /square evenly timed pace. When listened to on a hard or packed surface you should only hear an even beat this is the same in the footfalls or the crossover between sides. The gait should follow a sequence of right rear, right front, left rear, left front . While the head may bob the withers should have no or very little rise and fall . This even sequence is what allows for such an even smooth ride as does the fact that the side to side or seesaw movement usually seen in a horses walk is not present.
This Gait can be categorized in three types :
The Fino which has a lot of leg movement but minimal forward travel (used mainly for shows or parades).
The Corto which is like the fino except more forward motion. In travel faster and covers more distance than a walk. Generally about 8 to 10 mph or faster.
The Largo rides and sounds like the previous gaits although there is much a much more stretched reaching . This gait has been clocked at 20 mph while maintaining the requirements in the ride and rhythm.
The Peruvian Paso also has a wing out flair in the front leg action which it is known for .( this does not effect the smoothness).
While many horses may display ability in one gait class it is very common to have horses with equal ability in more than one.
INTELLIGENCE; While this attribute does not really need explanation it should be noted that this is also included in the expectations in the breed. Generally this allows for their person ability as well as their trainability. It also shows itself in the horses responsibility to the rider that is often displayed. Fortunately ( or not depending on the person and the horse ) it often displays itself in a ( sometimes mischievous ) sense of humour. This is also apparent in that most Paso have a very distinctive personality that only bad training or management can thwart.
ENDURANCE; Despite the fact that it may not be on average as large as other horses this is a breed that has shown itself to be more than a match for its larger cousins. The fact that it has more of a gait selection being a part of it is not the only advantage. The fact that most Pasos in good shape can maintain a gait for long times and distances without pause is the most defining attribute. A horse generally would have to walk,,,trot,,,walk all day to keep pace with a Paso that could gait all day with little more effort than another horse would use walking, and less effort than it would use trotting.
FRIENDLINESS; This is a well known and defined trait of the Paso breed. Even at times where otherwise friendly horses may become untrustworthy the Paso usually will retain his compliant nature. Although there may be exceptions as a rule they are a very personable horse that loves to perform well and please their riders/ handlers. This also means that any form of attention and closeness with ' their' people (even training) is welcomed.
BRIO; A friend often describes them as a 17 hand horse in a smaller body.They have the spirit and drive usually seen in larger thoroughbreds or hotbloods and they a known to try to 'show off' when any opportunity arises....( whenever they can breathe and move it seems) . This exhibits itself in the puffing or their chests , flaring of tails, and arching of the neck. Throw in the snappy foot work with the drive for competition and you have Brio. The spirit of an Arab, the flair of a Lipizzan with the grace of an Andulusian,,,throw these together in your mind for an idea of the Paso Brio. Or better yet watch one in action.
DESIRE TO PERFORM; This is part and parcel of the breed. It comes with the other traits of friendliness, intelligence and brio.They like to perform and don't seem to mind having to work to get it. They enjoy hours of training, seeming to thrive on good results as much as the people around them do.( Personally I think they like having the opportunity to show off ). One advantage to this is that they train well and seem to have very good retention qualities. Even after long periods of layoff it takes very little time or effort to return them to their earlier condition and mind set.
CONFORMATION; Of course everyone has their own ideas as to the perfect conformation, but, there are certain traits that make the Paso what he is, allowing him to do what he does. The size can range from the high 13+ hands to the low 15+ hands, the bottom line should be clean and flat, the rear rounded not squared, the chest though not small should be of thin breadth. The rest of the body should be proportionate with good muscling although not bulky or thick.Some types of Pasos can lean toward wide rafter type hips ( generally the Peruvian breeds) by which they are known. Other types (Columbian, Puertorican etc) may or may not show this. Almost all Paso breeds have high withers ( this along with the thinner chests make make saddle fitting more crucial with these horses). Another trait that is part of the breed is that it is not always necessary to have them shod. The composure of the hoof is the right balance between hard and soft that most terrain is not a problem, and that even problem terrain may only a problem in long term use. ( Problem terrain being sharp rock , certain types of gravel over hard pack, or broken glass etc).