Peruvian Paso Breed Standard

Peruvian Paso Breed Standard

General

The Peruvian Paso horse's appearance is one of energy, grace, and refinement. The musculature is well developed but without exaggerations. A size range generally from 14.1 to 15.2 hands. Occasionally individuals may be under or over that range. Colors of bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, gray, grulla, palomino, and roan with solid colors, greys, and dark skin preferred.

Head

The head is medium sized with a straight or slightly concave profile and dark skin.. The muzzle is small. The nostrils are oblong and extend easily. The eyes are dark, expressive, and well set apart. In breeding classes, glass and/or blue eyes shall be penalized. The jowls are moderately marked. The ears are medium length with fine slightly inwardly curved tips.

Neck

The neck is gracefully arched at the crest and medium in length.Compared with most light breeds, the neck is slightly heavier in proportion to the body.

Body

The back is strong, rounded, and short to medium in length. The loins are broad and well muscled over the kidney area. A fairly muscular croup is long, wide, moderately sloped, and nicely rounded. The tail is set low and carried straight, quiet, and close to the buttocks. The chest is wide with moderate muscling. The girth, well sprung rib cage, and barrel are deep. The length of leg and depth of body is approximately equal. The underline is nearly level from the brisket to the last rib. The moderately short flanks are full and deep. The quarters should be strong and of medium roundness and width. The long, very well inclined shoulders are well muscled especially at the withers.

Legs

The bones of the legs should be well articulated and well aligned so the long bones above and below the joints correctly line up. The tendons are strong and prominent. The skin of the legs is tight against the bone. The pasterns should be medium in length and springy but not show weakness. The cannon bones are short. The hocks are slightly more angled than other light saddle breeds.