Post pix of your Puruvian Pasos

[Pasogirlz]

Welcome to the new forum. I have noticed a growing need for info on this breed, and since they are in the same family, and many newcomers are curious about PPs and PFs, I thought we could utilize this new forum. I have also invited a special guest to join us and share some of her knowledge with us. I can already tell you guys are gonna love her pix, and she has a lot of cool ones to share. So I hope she joins us soon. Until then, those of you who can...share w/us your PP beauties (from the past and present). 8-)

[SandyMM]

I have a terrific picture I took of "Diademas de Tobias"(?) It's a black and white taken in the 70s and shows the tack used in pretty good detail... I'll have to scan it in and post...

[Tami Pinell]

Hey Lori - do you have a place to put pics of "part" pasos.... ???
And do you have a space for our pasos that have both sets of papers or lines that are back to Peru? The PFHA use to allow both and some of our pasos have lines that are from Peru.

[Pasogirlz]

Lets see whatcha got Tami. 8-)

[PacaPaca]

Thank you for the link, Lori, and for the invitation to join in. You had a wonderful idea and I look forward to sharing the little I've gleaned since getting involved with Peruvians as well as learning more about Paso Finos. But fair warning, I can be quite wordy once I get started. :roll:

I've been having trouble with my computer tonight, so I'll be back tomorrow.

Thanks again! :hello

[Heidi]

Welcome PacaPaca! ...I'm looking forward to seeing your posts w/pics about the Peruvian tack, gear, clothes and riding that I've seen at HC.
Heidi

[Pasogirlz]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/10.gif

Paca - You can just go into the edit and copy and paste your posts from HC if you like. The format here is the same. And that was some really great info w/pix. It kept me wanting more. 8-)

[pasofantasy]

Welcome, PacaPaca! I can say, that I miss being around the Peruvianos, that I knew. My husband showed them several years ago.

Lori, one of these days, I'll try to find and post a picture of a Peruviano gaiting alongside a paso fino. It really shows the difference between the their preferred show gait and paso finos. It's not digital, so I don't have it scanned. I want a different scanner, so I haven't hooked up the other.

When my friend was selling one of her Peruvianos, we made video, explaining the tack while we were tacking up the horse to tape it for sales purposes.

[PattiB]

Our broodmare has Peruvian in her, back when APF conversion to PFOBA allowed Peruvian horses. I have trained two Peruvians and one that was 15/16 peruvian, one had the DSLD.

[Terry Wallace]

Cabeza de Borrascoso..one of THE most famous pure Peruvian Pasos in the Paso Fino breed. He was a top ten sire for the PFHA...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/twobarwpaso/CabezadeBorrascosoElsF.jpg

[Terry Wallace]

Here is another....I have a few more..but NO TIME to post them...be back later.....
Gran Gitano...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v101/twobarwpaso/GranGitanoPeruvianLYk.jpg

[Barbwire]

This forum rocks! I have been curious about this breed for a while. I look forward to learning about and seeing all the pretty pictures of these horses.

[appyday]

http://appyday.com/paso_stud_files/images/Paso%20Finos/Vencedor/webB4001.jpg
http://appyday.com/images/Paso%20Finos/May132006161.jpg

[CarolU]

This is BBP Belleza Negra and son Coronado.

http://gallery.pethobbyist.com/data/23115BellaCoro-med.jpg

[SandyMM]

Ah! I had forgotten that Gran Gitano was Peruvian!

[Two Paso Person]

I have several Paso Finos but I got a chance to get a Peruvian mare at a most reasonable price. She is delighfully gaited with lots of termino. Her mane comes down to her elbow and her tail sweeps the ground. I have not ridden her out on the trails yet. So far, I am just doing some remedial work to see how she handles. She was kept in a small pen and is anxious out in open spaces. I love her gait but I'm not giving up my Paso Finos yet.

[PacaPaca]

Wonderful photos! This is going to be fun! :D

Thank you for the warm welcomes. :hello

I was going to start with a history of the Peruvian breed and explain how I got into them. Instead, I'll just say that I used to ride 'trotting' breeds, until my Arab that I'd had for 13 years literally flew over backwards on me, fracturing my L5 vertebra and rupturing five disks. I found out at the same time that I have a degenerative spinal disease that my doctor said would prevent me from riding ever again.

Unable to live without riding, I started researching gaited breeds. The following website led me to examine the Peruvian Paso:

http://www.gaitedhorses.net/PeruvianArticles.htm

I found my first Peruvian living only three miles from my home. It was fate, and he's been a Godsend ever since.

So, rather than steal someone else's work in explaining the breed itself, (okay, I admit I'm too lazy to re-write it this morning) I've given a link to a website that helped forge my entire future with a whole new breed.

For sake of convenience, I'll do like Lori suggested and copy & paste. :D

[PacaPaca]

First off, I'm certainly no expert in Peruvian Horses or their tack. I've spent the last four years educating myself through the minimal information offered online and by talking to those that I DO consider experts. The more I learn, the more I'm enthralled by both the breed and its appointments.

I'm posting this to share the beauty of Peruvian Horse tack with those that might otherwise have no exposure to it. Peruvian Horses are still considered a rare breed, so most people don't see them or their tack on a daily basis.

You might have noticed I usually call them Peruvian Horses rather than their typical American name, Peruvian Paso. Same horse, but I prefer not to perpetuate the misconception that Peruvian Pasos and Paso Finos are the same horse. People seem to be confused by the "Paso" part of their names. I was confused myself years ago before I started researching gaited breeds looking for a horse that would enable me to continue riding after fracturing a vertebra and being diagnosed with degenerative spinal disease.

Education led to enthusiasm, which led to more education... and on it goes.

So, I'd like to share some of what I've learned. I hope the photos can do this equipment justice. I haven't memorized all the Spanish names for all the parts, so I'll just go with those I know. I'd like to add here, too, I'm discussing traditional matters, and not suggesting that Peruvians can only be ridden with specific tack or in a specific manner. They're horses, and just like any other breed, whatever the rider prefers is okay to do outside the showring. (Personally, I ride my guy in a dressage saddle with a western bridle and Peruvian bit when out on the trails.)

I'll start with the saddle and its appointments:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/P1010007b.jpg
Forgive me for reusing a previously-posted photo, but this one shows a typical work/trail saddle. It is complete with the retrancas (breeching), floron (tail cover) and crupper (hidden under the floron). Trail saddles typically have leather covered stirrups, but the traditional wooden stirrups can be interchanged. The stirrups are heavy steel under the leather covering and both types (leather or wooden) are detached from the saddle when saddling or unsaddling.

A trail saddle will also usually have d-rings for a breast collar. The saddle can be used for show, but the breastcollar may not. Adults can show with the breeching, but juniors are not allowed to use it in the showring. Trail saddles usually also come with a pellonera, a quilted leather pad that adds more cushion to the seat and jockeys for long trail rides. I don't use mine because the saddle is comfortable without it and I prefer the closer contact without it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Jerga.jpg
The saddle pad, or jerga, is stuffed and covered with woven 100% undyed wool. The saddles are built on wooden trees that don't vary much from saddle to saddle. The tree is built to accommodate a wide range of physiques, but if a particular horse needs more padding in specific areas, the stuffing in the jerga is distributed where needed and a few external stitches are made to hold it in place. There is a leather label on the corner of the jerga displaying the maker's name. The horse to whom the pad has been fitted is assigned this particular jerga, and his name is written on the label. I found this rather ingenious.

Jergas are extremely heavy. There are lighter-weight ones with little stuffing that are used under the main jerga to keep it clean. They not washed. When soiled, they are hosed off and hung to air dry.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Corona.jpg
Next comes the corona. It's a single layer of thick leather, seamed and ventilated at the spine. Its purpose is to protect the saddle from dirt and sweat, and to help distribute the rider's weight to a larger surface. In time, heat and moisture form the corona to the contours of the tree and the horse's back, making an even better fit, and keeping the saddle from sliding on the corona. The corona in the photo isn't broken in yet, so the saddle tends to slide. Wiping with a damp sponge helps stop the slipping and speeds up the break-in process.

Here is a close-up of the intricate hand-carving on the corona:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/CoronaInset.jpg

This is our Peruvian show saddle:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Saddle.jpg
There are simpler show saddles, and there are more ornate. This one would fall somewhere in the middle. I had it shipped directly from the saddle maker in Peru. The seat is quilted leather, and the metal is stainless steel. Some have 'alpaca silver' which is a nickel alloy that will tarnish and corrode. I wanted the stainless steel for longevity and ease of care.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Pommel.jpg
The gullet/pommel. The finely woven stings (I can't remember the Spanish name) are to tie the reins to the saddle while the rider is dismounted. The horses are never led by the reins (nor tied), but instead wear a halter as part of the complete headset.

(Cont'd.)

[PacaPaca]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Cantle.jpg
The cantle. Note the large stainless steel buckle that attaches the crupper and floron (tailpiece).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/SaddleInset.jpg
Close-up of the carving on the saddle itself. The holes do go all the way through, and they're a bugger to clean.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Girth.jpg
Even the cotton-string girth has simple tooling on each leather end.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Floron.jpg
This is the floron, or tailpiece. They are usually intricately decorated and hide the crupper underneath. The retrancas, or breeching is attached both to the floron and to a buckle under the saddle skirt. Contrary to what some people assume, the retrancas do not make a Peruvian gait and are used more as decoration than anything. I've read that they were once used to keep underbrush away from the horse's legs while traveling rough terrain, but I can't verify that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/FloronInset.jpg
The carving at the center of the floron, showing a Chalan and his horse. Many saddles are decorated with Peruvian Horses and their riders, some with elaborate floral details and even peacocks. Each one is a hand-made piece of artwork.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Rigging.jpg
This is the saddle's rigging. The ring on the left is for the stirrup leathers. The center D is for the latigo, obviously, and the circular piece of leather covers the buckle that holds the retrancas and keeps it from damaging the leather of the saddle's skirt.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Stirrup.jpg
These stirrups, although typical of what you'll see with Peruvian saddles, are rather special to me. The young Peruvian man that I dealt with to purchase the saddle and several other items is going to college to be a pediatric specialist. Or at least I think that's how it translated to English. I had found him at ebay trying to sell some of his family's hand-made tack. His auction pages weren't working right, and none of the photos would show. I could tell English was a second language for him and emailed him offering help. (I really wanted to see his tack because his prices were fantastic.)

To make a long story short, I ended up helping Victor with his auctions and with his usage of English in general. I also helped him receive payments through Western Union (no paypal in Peru) from his auctions and helped with some of his purchases as well. I eventually ordered this saddle from him. The saddle was made by an artisans' guild of sorts, but the stirrups were made and hand carved by Victor's uncle who raised him like a father. Shortly after receiving our saddle, Victor's uncle passed away suddenly.

I'd sent Victor photos of the stirrups used in a display at Equimasters. Victor wrote back telling me about his uncle's death, and asking for a larger photo of the stirrups to show his family because they were the last thing Carlos had made, and they'd be proud that we'd put them on display.

Anyway, the stirrups look like they'd be terribly ungainly to ride with. I was surprised at how comfortable they are. It's like having a step at each side of the horse to rest your feet on. Great for us old people with back problems. They don't move much, because there's little movement of the horse's back. They hang from narrow stirrup leathers that allow you to position your legs where comfortable, but their weight helps them fall in a natural position.

[PacaPaca]

Again, I'd like to reiterate that none of the Peruvian tack is required to enjoy a Peruvian Paso's natural gaits. I've had people tell me, "I'd love to have a Peruvian, but I can't afford all the special tack." You can use whatever tack you like for trail and open shows. There ARE specific "traditional tack" classes at the breed level shows, but there are also western and English classes offered.

On to some photos...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/mhs.jpg
This is a typical show headset and what I have right now. This is Mardi Gras, anxiously awaiting his turn in the showring.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Resized1.jpg
This is a fancier set of show headgear. I have this set on order from Peru. I'm borrowing Victor's photos, but he won't mind.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Inset.jpg
This is a closeup that will hopefully show just how fine the braiding is. When compared to the rawhide braiding of American-made tack, there's not a lot of resemblance. Every piece of metal decoration, whether Alpaca silver or stainless steel, is hand-tooled. The braiding is smooth and tactile, almost reptilian. The headsets are made entirely of braided goat-skin rawhide excepting the leather tapa ojos (eye covers). It takes up to a year to hand-make a complete headset.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/TraditionalStandardHeadgear2.jpg
This is a dark show set. It's in between the set that I have and the two-toned one above in price. A working/training set is similar to the show sets, only without adornment of the tooled silver. They're also heavier, sometimes with coarser braiding, and typically of the natural rawhide color like my set.

(Cont'd...)

[PacaPaca]

When bridling, the tapa ojos go on first:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/tapaojos.jpg
Tapa ojos are normally carved leather, but these are decorated with tooled stainless steel. The braided rawhide edging makes for a dramatic detail. The cord is extremely fine braided rawhide.

Tapa ojos are eye covers, or in effect, a blindfold. Traditionally, Peruvian riders, crossing great expanses of the plantations would have no handy trees to tie their horses when stopping to rest. They'd slip the tapa ojos over the eyes of the horse, visually and effectually hobbling him. The horses are trained to ground-tie and to accept the use of the blindfold like our horses are trained to hobble.

Next comes the halter:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/halter.jpg
Headsets are pretty much one-size-fits-all, although some are made smaller and finer for the more delicate horses. Notice how the noseband runs through a slip-knot type affair under the chin. This acts as an adjustment, and moves freely with varying degrees of pressure on the lead line. It also gives immediate pressure/release depending on how the handler is using it. Something the Natural Horsemanship gurus should appreciate. : )

If you look closely, there's a small loop of braided rawhide at the center of the crown. The bridle and bosalillo (or gamarilla) fasten into the loop so that all the pieces stay together on the horse's head.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/cabresto.jpg
This is the leadline (or cabresto) that attaches to the halter. Traditionally, Peruvians are never led by the reins. They are always led by a separate halter and lead. Leading by the reins can eventually toughen a horse's mouth, which is extremely unfavorable. A Peruvian's mouth is protected from anything that might lead to lack of responsiveness. While riding, the lead is brought up on the nearside of the horse's neck, run over the neck to the offside, tucked under the skirts of the saddle's offside, up and over the back of the saddle and the remainder hangs off the near side.

The headstall is then put on, slipping it underneath the halter and over the tapa ojos.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Resized2.jpg
There is no throatlatch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Reins.jpg
The reins are always romal style. The popper on the end is primarily for looks. The reins are stiff and heavy, so in trying to pop an unruly horse, you just might get a chunk of rawhide upside the head. The bit-ends of the reins are weighted with extra rawhide knots. The weight helps send the subtlest of cues to the bit with a minimum of motion from the hands. Minimum motion is of utmost importance in the showring, and you don't want your reins swinging, either.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Bit.jpg
The bit is also something unique to the breed. Although there are a few variations, the style is pretty much consistant. The photo above shows the most typical, with six copper rollers and a small port. You can also find two large rollers, or the same variations only with stainless steel rollers instead of copper. Bits also come without ports, for the most sensitive mouths, and there's a training bit that has no shanks to attach reins to. This training bit is carried in the mouth while the horse is training in a bozal to get used to the feel. He is slowly converted through two sets of reins and finally to just the bit.

I'm going to re-use this photo because it shows Nautico wearing a training bozal along with a halter and tapa ojos. This is how he'll be shown in his bozal classes:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/P1010030b.jpg
Notice how the reins attach to the TOP of the bozal? This brings the head up into position while encouraging the proper placement of the nose for maximum collection. There is no leverage involved. The bozal is attached by a special knot tied under the chin. It looks tight, but is only tight enough to keep it from slipping.

The training reins are very heavy and stiff. The slightest movement of your fingers is relayed immediately and clearly to the horse, greatly facilitating training.

I'll work on one more post to illustrate the traditional riding attire and style unique to the Peruvian Paso. And please keep in mind that I'm still learning as I go, and I've still got a lot to learn yet. All that I've put down so far is my interpretation of what I've learned and shouldn't be held as gospel.

[PacaPaca]

This has been the hardest one to put together so far. My camera does not take arena photos well at all, so I have very few that are clear enough to post. Another problem is that while at a show, I'm mainly getting photos of my kids. I get tired of lugging my camera around and miss out on a lot of good photo opportunities.

Onward...

At my very first Peruvian show, I was first struck by the fact that all the riders/handlers wore WHITE! I thought, these people are nuts! Horses and white just don't mix!

Later on, I've discovered many advantages to the traditional white attire. First, everything's mix and match. You don't have to worry about colors complementing or finding just the right shade. It's white. It goes with white.

Second, it's CHEAP. We shop for "show whites" at thrift stores. Racks and racks of white stuff. A whole outfit can cost as little as three bucks. There's no need to be picky, either. Just any old white long-sleeved shirt and white jeans. Any brand. Wear what you're comfortable in.

Third, you don't have to worry about whether it flatters you or not. White jeans make everybody's butt look big.

Fourth, everyone in the showring is wearing the same thing. Nobody cares about who's wearing what type of cuff this year or what color rhinestones are hot. White stays the same year after year so your outfit never goes out of style. If it gets so badly stained or worn that it's embarrassing, toss it and shell out another three bucks.

Fifth, no matter how filthy dirty you get your show whites, they always look good in the showring and in photos. Even after the bareback class. It's an odd fact of physical nature that even gravy stains do not show on a white shirt during a Peruvian show. Don't believe me? I didn't believe it, either until I saw it happen in person. Jordan got filthy as a pig at her first show, and I was going to make her change. A veteran Peruvian rider told me not to worry about it, it wouldn't show. I reluctantly waited to see... she was right. I couldn't see the grime in the ring, and the photos came out sparkling. I'm still trying to figure this phenomenon out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7230032.jpg
See the dirt on her boots? There's just as much on her whites!

Okay, so we've established that "Peruvian people" are crazy enough to wear white jeans and a white shirt. Some classes call for just the whites and dark boots. Others allow the addition of accessories.

The hat is your basic Panama hat:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/129-2944_img.jpg
Cool, lightweight and nearly indestructible. There are a wide variety of styles and brim widths, nearly all being totally acceptable in the ring. The hats get just as dirty and worn as the whites. If your hat falls off in the dirt on the way to your class, no biggie. Just shake it off and put it back on. Forgot your hat at home? Again, no problem. Somebody'll loan you a spare, and hey! It goes with your outfit! Helmets are always encouraged, but not required.

Another detail above is the white scarf. That's something that's harder to find than you'd think. I've yet to find plain white cotton scarves for a reasonable price. There are no rules concerning the scarves other than they have to be white, so I ended up buying pillowcases and making a couple myself. Add a cute scarf slide and you've got your show jewelry.

The scarves are worn around the neck for every class other than in-hand classes. Then it is tri-folded and tucked into the belt like so:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3118.jpg
I'm still trying to find out WHY they do this. I'm sure the logic will be reasonable.

When in the ring, the whites look crisp and do not distract from the horse:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7230055.jpg

As a mom, the whites can make it difficult to tell one child from another:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3121.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7250048.jpg

Even the judge and ring stewards wear whites:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7240020.jpg

(cont'd...)

[PacaPaca]

In some classes, riders can wear a blazer. They're usually navy, but Jordan's had to wear grey before.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/864_51_0538.jpg
This is Rachel on a Laureado gelding. The main idea is subtlety. In contrast to 'normal' shows, you don't want to stand out. You want your HORSE to stand out.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3173.jpg
Jordan on Rita. We only had one blue jacket and one panama hat at one point, and the girls would hand them off to each other between classes.

Adults can wear ponchos in some classes. Juniors are not allowed to because they can be a hazard if you fall from your horse. They're not permitted in equitation classes where the judge wants to see your entire frame. Ponchos can be either linen or wool and should be subtle in color. Earthtones predominate with the occasional brave soul:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7230058.jpg

This is a typical poncho:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7230085.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/864_51_0716.jpg
When doing demonstrations or just showing off like Ricardo, pretty much anything goes attire-wise. In this photo, his horse was being awarded the Laureado, meaning he's earned the title of Champion three times at the same show. Ricardo was having him dance to music and the cheers of the crowd. He'd come in with an armload of long-stemmed roses and tossed them to the audience.

If you'll notice in the photo above, there's a woolly-looking cover over the saddle. This is a "pellon." They come in either black or white. They are used primarily in the top championship classes and are extremely expensive. (Around $2000) They consist of a leather pad with the wool sewn to one side. The wool is several inches long and braided in the tiniest of braids. The braids are so fine, they look like individual strands of wool until you look closely. The pellon acts as a saddle cushion when riding and can double as a blanket or bedroll when traveling the vast plantations or the Andes mountains of Peru A comfortable saddle, a luxurious pellon, and a happy, energetic, gliding horse... It doesn't get any better than that.

[PacaPaca]

A well-trained Peruvian with an accomplished rider are marvelous to watch. The horses exude energy, while at the same time respond to the very slightest of cues from the rider. They work as the ultimate team, seeming to move as one. The best horses display an abundance of "brio." They look like they're about to explode at any minute, and it appears that the rider is just barely able to control the horse on their course around the ring. This is the impression that these horses have been bred to give for hundreds of years.

In actuality, the horse is just in performance mode. He's healthy, he's happy, and he wants to do what he does best - Move along at a consistant speed in that remarkable 4-beat lateral gait known as a "paso llano." You don't MAKE a Peruvian gait, you LET him. Gaited from birth, no special equipment or training is used to enhance the Peruvian's natural gait. They are shown barefoot with no hoof polish. Shoes are not even allowed at most shows, but some mixed gaited shows allow shoes in the Peruvian classes. Bridle paths are not clipped. Tail extensions, fake tails, coat/color-enhancers are not allowed. Traditionally, gelding's manes and forelocks are roached, but it's not required.

Showmanship differs from what you'd normally see, because rather than requiring the horse to be totally docile and complacent while performing various patterns to perfection, the Peruvian is asked to move out in gait and is kept on a rather long lead. In the photo below, Jordan is carrying her ribbon and trophy glass in her left hand, so the lead is in her right. Normally the coils are carried in the left. And yes, they are to coil the lead. (It's too stiff to become caught if the horse pulls away.)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/864_51_0060.jpg

The horse is supposed to move with a lot of energy and display his brio in hand. If he gets ahead of you, merely circle him and resume your place. There are no complicated patterns to mess up on, no perfect pivots to worry about. You just want your horse to look GOOD.

All tack is designed with the horse's comfort and well-being in mind as much as the rider's. Rider and horse can show all day in comfort, which enables the team to show at its best from start to finish.

Presenting the Peruvian in show, like other breeds, means showing the horse to his best advantage. When gait and smoothness rule the ring, it means displaying as little movement as possible on behalf of the rider. Correct balance, and light, calm hands do well in the arena.

The reins are heavy and stiff. They are traditionally held in both hands, but unlike English riding, the hands are held close together and relatively high to maintain a correct head position. In this "Lima" position, one hand holds both reins near the junction, and the other hand is placed on one rein:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7240026.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3147.jpg
The cue to turn is given by slight pressure against one rein or the other with the fingers, combined with leg pressure, as well as a slight shift in weight, giving the impression that no cue was given at all:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7240027.jpg

Of course, it's handy if your horse is trained to neck-rein as well for the "Victory Lap" when one hand is holding your award:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/864_56_0244.jpg
Neck-reining also comes in handy for the "Champagne Class." This is normally a jackpot class where riders are given a champagne glass as they sit astride their horse. A steward then fills each glass to the brim with champagne (perrier for juniors). It rarely fails where at least one rider 'spills' their champagne and requires a refill (or two) before for the class commences.

Horses are then ridden around the ring in gait, with the riders holding their glasses, trying not to spill a drop. As the class goes on, riders may be asked to execute patterned maneuvers, such as reversals, circles and serpentines through cones. The object is to be the one with the most champagne left in your glass at the lineup. Glasses are taken by the steward and the contents measured to determine the winner. Those that KNOW they are out of the running usually end up with an empty glass one way or another. Spanish music plays during all of the classes, and onlookers cheer and applaud at will, making for a very festive atmosphere.

The atmosphere we've encountered at the Peruvian shows is altogether a topic in itself. Having been involved in 4-H and open shows for years, and attending various breed shows, the Peruvian shows and their segments in gaited horse shows are a refreshing change.

Take a Cinco De Mayo party and set it up at a horse show with a bunch of old friends that have gathered from the entire western portion of North America. That's the best way to describe the atmosphere of a Peruvian show. At least the ones we've been to, anyway. I can't speak for other regions of the country, of course.

Emphasis is placed on FUN. If you win a class or two, it's just icing on the cake. People put as much importance on having a good time between classes as they do on winning in the ring:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7220001.jpg
One ranch brings its own Cantina and sets up outside the barn. Pizza-feeds for the kids, a BBQ, a potluck dinner, cake and ice cream. There's something going on each night of each show, and nobody's left out.

Those that've been doing it for a while know just how to have all the comforts of home while on the road:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3260.jpg
I wish I had photos of one show where the trailers were decorated with white lights and yard ornaments and somebody brought even set up a big pool and would exchange a cool soak in the 100-degree heat for help cleaning stalls.

(cont'd...)

[PacaPaca]

What these posts are missing is MUSIC. There's music everywhere. Usually Spanish in nature, and very lively. It's playing out at the trailers, in the barns and in the arenas. People taking time to enjoy themselves between classes by visiting with old friends (who incidentally happen to be "the competition."

Kids (and adults) scratching up an impromptu game out in the parking lot:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_2657.jpg

You won't find the politics and tension I've seen in other shows. There's such an air of friendly helpfulness that it's hard for me to believe that these people are actually here to compete against each other. We didn't take any horses to the regional show last year, but each of the girls was loaned one at the show, just so they could have fun. Rachel ended up taking third place in her division, and Jordan came home with Reserve Grand Champion in hers. That was also the show that Rachel won the gelding contest and came home with Nautico.

The juniors put together a "Barrida" for the judge. It's the Peruvian version of a drill team routine. The kids practiced at night and then performed to music before the judge. This was only a portion of them filing into the arena:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/P7250038.jpg

Peruvians tend to fling dirt as they gait around the arena:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3153.jpg
(You don't sit in the first three rows of seats.)

The final day of regionals consists in part of the Championship classes. All the horses that have earned their way to the Championships have to perform in the "Prueba." It happens painfully early in the morning, with riders arriving carrying cups of coffee and rubbing sleep from their eyes. Some are still wearing pajamas.

The point of the Prueba is to weed out any horses that may not be 100% fit and sound. Only those in perfect condition are allowed to continue on to the Championships.

In the Prueba, each contender is ridden in gait to music (last year was ZZTop) for 30 minutes straight. Fifteen minutes in one direction, a reverse, and then 15 minutes in the other. It doesn't sound like much, but at daybreak, it seems to last forever. A veterinarian is in attendance watching each horse in turn for any sign of unsoundness, fatique or breaking of gait. Winners of the championship classes are drug tested.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3221.jpg
Getting ready for the Prueba

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3227.jpg
Waiting on the vet and officials

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3228.jpg
Rachel got to help out by riding a friend's mare in the Prueba

The atmosphere is so laid back, the kids actually have time to make friends from other cities, states and provinces. That's Jordan on the left, who made a friend that looks like her, talks like her... even walks like her. They both had their dark hair braided in back, and it was really hard to tell them apart from a distance. Everybody was mixing them up. Even me and the other girls' parents!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Tack/Img_3203.jpg

So, that wraps up my four-part photo-essay. I had a lot of fun putting it all together and going back through so many memories in search of photos. It makes me anxious to get this year's show season underway, which starts with our first show next month.


PS... A special thank you to Lori and all those that followed along and encouraged me to put these posts together. It was a lot of fun!

:rearing

[CarolU]

Wow!!! Thank you first for typing all that out and then Copy and pasting it here. It is a wonderful education for me. I tried reading some of the PP stuff, but the information is hiden in different sites. Even figuring out what the gaits are is a search.

I bought a Peruvian saddle for Bella, but AIN'T NO WAY I'm buying headgear any more complecated then the Colombian stuff! It's too much (I prefer a simple headstall - period!!!).

Would it be okay if I e-mailed or PM'd you? I am reworking Bella to sell after her foal is weaned. I am not to worried about redoing the ground work correctly, but once I really start riding her again, I don't want to mess up her gait trying to collect her like a Paso Fino is.

I'd really appreciate it.

[PacaPaca]

I PM'd you my email address. :D

[Brigitte]

WELCOME!! And thanks for the info, whoo that was alot !

[Barbwire]

[color=14]Now that's what I call a write up! Wow, thanks for taking the time to put that all together.

I can't belivee how much your girl and her new friend look alike, it's almost creepy. :shock: [/size]

[Tami Pinell]

That is a wonderful wirte up and thanks for all the photos.... the tack is BEAUTIFUL!!
Now as far as photos of what I have.... well, the most current paso I have with peruvian blood is this guy - 1/4 peruvian.....
http://www.morningstarpasofino.com/stallion/stallion/Cowboy/photoalbum/buck.jpg
I also owned for a long time Candela Pinta (her lines were imported from Peru and I understand that she also had Peruvian papers) I'd have to hunt a photo of her - she was a strawberry roan sabino pinto.... :D

[Edurne]

Superb post paca paca. Thank you.

[Linda Y]

Totally impressive post! That saddle is art, fabulous fabulous art.
I am looking at Peruvians with thoughts of buying one for my next trail horse. Unfortunately all the ones I am finding are way too flexy in the pasterns. Yours look lovely and healthy.
But I must say that you have renewed my interest in these wonderful horses.

[qltrlori]

My last horse that I sold when I was 21 was half Peruvian Paso, half Welsh pony. I have no idea who dreamt up that combo, but she was a VERY fun horse to ride. She was gaited, and smooth as silk, and she liked to GO GO GO. That horse could really cover some ground!

It is so funny, around here there are LOTS of horse ranches. No Paso Finos, lots of Peruvian Pasos.

I'll see if I can find a photo of her.

Lori

[PacaPaca]

Tami - your guy is breathtaking! Please do post a photo of your mare if you can find one. I'd like to see her.

Linda Y - Mardi Gras has extremely long pasterns, and they flex more than I'd like, but it sure adds smoothness to the ride. He's 12 this year and so far so good in the pastern department. I scrutinize his daily for any changes.

Our other three have strong pasterns. They all flex more than what most people are used to seeing while in motion, but their angles are great when stationary.

Qltrlori - I'd love to see your pony cross. I've seen one other, a little palomino that was all flair. He stood about 13hh and wasn't gaited but had a beautiful extended trot.

Again, thank you to those that enjoyed my posts. I'm working on getting photos from the makers of the tack. I think it would be interesting to see it being made.

[Remy]

I have been MIA for a while. We took a trip to Thailand for business and then went to Langkawi to look at stables, so I had a lot of catching up to do when I opened the Forum.

Anyway....I sooo enjoyed the PP tack and education again. I was fascinated by it when Pacapaca posted it on HC. So much so that I am trying to get some of the tack. Thanks Pacapaca for all your help. You have been great and now I am back in the swing of everyday life, I can get to work on getting the saddle. Will keep you posted.

[pasohappy]

Wonderful Wonderful posting on the Peruvian,

my mare is half Peruvian and half Paso Fino,
Her sire is EL JEFE DE CANADA out of SOBERANO AND FLORIDA DE DESTELLO.

And dam is PRADERA ROSA and she is out of SEDO DE ORO and BELLEZA DE COMEL REY.

She shows the termino in her gait, now get this I bred her to a Peruvian Stallion, Redentor out of RECARAMELO and ELEGANCIA.

Her son has no termino and gaits true to the Paso Fino. Neat eh, never know what you are going to get, and he is smooth very smooth.

[JennLM]

How funny Pasohappy. I was wondering what kind of gaits the Peruvian Paso and Paso Fino would have when mixed.

Not much longer before Rocket gets here (oh gosh it better not be the weekend of the show here in Vegas!!) and I can get lots of pictures, yeah! Not that I am excited. Nope, not excited nope nope.

[PacaPaca]

Welcome back, Remy! So which saddle are you going to get first? ;-)

Pasohappy, do you happen to have photos? I'd love to see them!

[pasohappy]

Paca Paca,, thats my mare in the avatar, and here is a picture of my gelding.[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/cactus12/pasofino.jpg and here they are togethter.

[PacaPaca]

Omigosh! They're both gorgeous!
Thank you!

[Remy]

PacaPaca: I have ordered the show saddle in dark leather with light braiding and metalwork across the back of the cantle. Should go well in my collection! But I will use it here a little before it gets put away. I can't wait to see it. I am guessing it will take about a month to reach me by the time it gets shipped here.

Do you mind if I pass the information on your four postings along to the Equestrian Association of Malaysia? I think they would be very interested in the information? Who knows, maybe one of the local Sultans would be interssted in a saddle too? Meanwhile, thanks again for taking the time to educate us all. I have printed out everything you wrote and will keep it for future reference.

[PacaPaca]

Oh, Remy! You're getting the GOOD one! That thing is absolutely gorgeous! I wouldn't be able to sleep if I were you. :lol:

Feel free to pass the info along. But again, I don't pretend to be any kind of authority on the subject.

You've GOT to post photos when you get your saddle. It's much fancier than the one I bought. :jawdrop

[Pasogirlz]

PacaPaca: I have ordered the show saddle in dark leather with light braiding and metalwork across the back of the cantle. Should go well in my collection! But I will use it here a little before it gets put away. I can't wait to see it. I am guessing it will take about a month to reach me by the time it gets shipped here.

Do you mind if I pass the information on your four postings along to the Equestrian Association of Malaysia? I think they would be very interested in the information? Who knows, maybe one of the local Sultans would be interssted in a saddle too? Meanwhile, thanks again for taking the time to educate us all. I have printed out everything you wrote and will keep it for future reference.

Are you thinking of getting a PP horse now? :question

[Remy]

PASOGIRLZ: No PPs in the future for me. I don't think it is feasible to import here. I have given up on my plans to import a Paso Fino or any other. Wish I could, but that's the way it is.

Meanwhile I fell in love with the Peruvian saddle and wanted it. At my age I don't have to need it, I just have to want it!

[motorgypsy]

Remy it occurs to me - don't they have horses at all there? If they do can't you find a nicely gaited diagonal mare and import semen for a half paso baby? A lot of them do gait.

[Remy]

Holy Cow Motorgypsy/KyleS: Why didn't I think of that? I am serious!!! What a dummy I am. I had not even given it a thought. Back to the drawing board for me. Thank you. I will do some checking. Maybe a brighter spot on my horizon now.

[motorgypsy]

You could even buy and import a registered paso fino embryo and implant it in a local mare. They import them all the time in Colombia because of the problems with I think it's piroplasmosis.

[Fino1]

PacaPaca!

After reading half way through your photo essay it suddenly dawned on me that the arena/area in the pictures was the Monroe Equistrian grounds in Monroe....WASHINGTON! Evergreen Fairgrounds.....

Hay I live 10 miles from there and attended many a Paso Fino show/classes there. You drive right by my road turn on 522 to Monroe. Gosh what a small world, huh?

What are the dates for your next PP show there? I had planned on attending now I will FOR SURE. Gosh who knows I 'might' even get to test ride a PP. It's been years since I've had the pleasure.

Please let me ASAP so I make sure I have the day off.

Thanks,

Judy and Chloe the Bengal who has never ridden a PP.

[PacaPaca]

Fino1~

It IS a small world. :D

We'll be in Monroe from the afternoon of the 27th through the 20th for our regional championships. The girls and I will be stalled with the Double JJ Ranch on the back corner farthest from the arena but closest to the entry gate.

There will be sales horses there for demo. Of the two we're taking, one is particular about her rider and under lease, and the other is green. If I was taking my gelding, you could ride him as much as you want.

Make yourself known, and I'm sure we can set you up with a test ride. I look forward to meeting you! :hello

[Fino1]

Fino1~

It IS a small world. :D

We'll be in Monroe from the afternoon of the 27th through the 20th for our regional championships.

Make yourself known, and I'm sure we can set you up with a test ride. I look forward to meeting you! :hello

Well...POOP sure happens and in this case I'll be in Vegas for the Gold Cup, leaving on the 27th and back late on the 30th. I just knew those were the dates for your show.
Drat it anyways!
Maybe we can hook up later on in August?

Judy and Chloe the Bengal who is mighty upset that I won't be able to ride a PP.

[PacaPaca]

Dang. We won't be back up north again until next year. After regionals, we'll be working our way south. (We live in Chehalis.)

If you get a chance, go to Hacienda del Noroeste in Mt. Vernon. (They're the ranch that bred my gelding.) I'm sure Gil and Tereasa would love to show you around. Their website is:
http://www.hdnranch.com/index.html
Tell them that HdN Mardi Gras sent you. :D

I forgot to add on the last one that I have a Bengal, too! His name is Chai:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Chai3.jpg

[CarolU]

Oh Paca Paca...he's gorgeous!!! Beautiful bronze highlights there.

[Remy]

What a beautiful cat. He looks regal!

[PacaPaca]

Thank you! I didn't mean to sidetrack the topic, but I saw Fino1's avatar and well, you know how that goes. :roll:

We still don't see too many Bengals around here, so I got a little excited. :lol:

[Fino1]

PacaPaca,

Here's the infamous Chloe Bengal. Yes that's her whole name, silly I know. She's a whole different color from most Bengals I have seen. Some don't like this color from the norm.
Your guy is awesome. Seems more and more Bengals are showing up these days. Great breed of cat. I'd like to have another one day.

http://www.2hottotrot.com/data/500/medium/SrareChloeFace.JPG

I visited the site you posted. They have some very nice horses. I'll have to investigate further.

Thanks for posting.

Judy and Chloe the Bengal who is recouping from a "nip high" at the moment.

[PacaPaca]

Chloe's adorable! She looks so innocent... but I know better her being a Bengal. ;-) Do you know what generation from the ALC she is?

Here's another of Chai showing his glitter. I set out looking for a well-rufused, glittered, golden brown with pawprints. The breeder I got him from also breeds the silver/snows and had some colored like Chloe. She has an Asian Leopard Cat, and Chai is an F-4 (fourth generation from her). They're a hoot, aren't they?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/1003/postingatatrot/Chai4.jpg

[dana]

These Bengals are beautiful! what wonderful markings!

(and i just love the up-dates everytime judy posts are to what Chloe is currently up to! :D

dana

[CarolU]

You know Kalia is feeling left out of this discussion!

Her version of "regal"...
http://pasobaby.tripod.com/Kalia/KaliaOnThePot3.jpg

And her favorite way to drink. I'm not sure why water is better upside down, but it must be.
http://pasobaby.tripod.com/Kalia/KaliaDrink4.jpg.jpg

[Fino1]

Wow...Paca, that's a great photo of Chai! Glitter is hard to capture on film. I haven't figured out how to do see Chloes' except for when she is outside.....WHICH these days is NEVER. She is very glittered against all the black spots and with so much black background.

Does the breeder you got Chai from have a web site? I'd love to see more.
Take a peek at this web site......
http://www.frontiernet.net/~spankie1/

I am not sure how far removed Chloe is from ALC parentage but the breeder had a couple of very close bred breeders. I felt so badly for her breeders since they had to be outside but sure understand why........

Your guy is very nice, like Carols Kaila, I love the breed, they are so much fun. Is yours leash trained? All of my cats are, it's fun to take them on walks...however Chloe is harder, she spooks so easily.

Well there went the PP talk....right on to Bengals, well they are laterally gaited. LOL We animal people.....LOL

Judy and Chloe the Bengal who at moment isn't to be found. (BUT she she IS in the house!)

[PacaPaca]

Carol, Kalia is simply stunning! I bet she knows it, too? She looks so feminine. Thank you for posting the photos, and I apologize for not responding sooner.

Fino, the breeder did have a website, but I don't think she does any more. Her partner became seriously ill, and she herself wasn't in the best of health at the time.

She kept her Asian Leopard Cat in her kitchen in a HUGE fenced-in area. She would close off the other cats in one part of the house and turn her out for exercise daily. They will sometimes kill and eat domestic cats, so they had to be kept separated. She did have one cat that she chose as her companion, so she was never alone.

The breeder we got Chai from also had some Sokokes, which are a nearly extinct African wild cat. Their personalities are very odd. If you pet them, they are insulted. You must PAT them, instead. And pat them hard or they'll walk away. It was so strange to pound on cat, with it's owner saying, "Harder! Harder!" LOL

Spanky's a cutie. We saw a Savannah Cat at PetCo once. His owners had him in a shopping cart and let us pet him. He took up the entire shopping cart when he stretched out! We had considered a Savannah before we got Chai, but they get too big for our little house.

[Terry Wallace]

Chloe's BIG beautiful EYES.... just gorgeous......is it a trait of Bengals to have really pretty eyes?

[Misssc]

Here are my three Peruvians

First is my seven year old mare DBM Dulcinea (Onix LRP x La Delicadeza)

http://www.borogove.net/horsepics/dul-que-cute.jpg

Pictured here with her first foal (see below).

Next is Quelpo (El Condor x DBM Dulcinea) Quelpo is a really neat looking buckskin. He's still intact right now as I wanted to put him under saddle and evaluate him before gelding. He has an injured hock though (not genetic he was kicked by another horse) I'm not sure what I'll do now.

http://www.borogove.net/bbf/quelpo-082005.JPG

and finally this is Inti my frozen semen filly. She is something else. Inti is by *HNS Aureo and out of Dulcinea. She was the only *HNS Aureo foal born in 2006.

http://www.borogove.net/horsepics/inticrosswater.jpg

[Barbwire]

http://www.jammerbabe.com/flotilla/images/smiles/groupsmile.gif

[Pasogirlz]

Awesome babies! I like the buckskin myself. 8-)

[Linda Y]

Love the pic of the baby splashing throught the water! :lol:
Good looking PPs you have there.
Welcome!!

[Blameitonbrio]

Welcome! That last picture is awesome!

[CarolU]

Very nice Peruvians! I love your colt, he's awesome. I can see why you are thinking of keeping him as a stallion.

I love your filly too..and she's a very brave little girl, already doing water crossings!

[Terry Wallace]

Really nice pic of the filly in the stream...! ;-)

[dana]

You have some real beauties there, Misssc!

[Misssc]

Thanks everyone :)

Dulcinea always takes her foals through the water a few hours after they are born.

[Terry Wallace]

COOL...automatic trail training by MOM! Can't beat that.... ;-)

[PASOLUVR]

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f286/horsepixs/IMG00065-1.jpg

SHE IS A CHOCOLATE PALOMINO WITH A SILVER MANE AND TAIL. sHE WAS ON THE SHOW CURCIT FOR 19 OF HER 22 YEARS IN AZ.