Furry Diary

Peruvian Paso

Equus caballus

Also called Caballo Peruano de Paso, Peruvian Horse

breedShort profile

From Peru1

A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.

At a glance the quick version

Lifespanup to 20 years2
Sizemedium
smooth four-beat lateral gait (paso llano)
calm and willing temperament
natural brio (willing energy)
sure-footedness
versatility for trail, show, and farm work
134

Looks how to spot one

short, fine coat

The Peruvian Paso has a short, fine coat that lies close to the body. The breed is medium-sized with a deep chest, a heavy neck, a short to medium back, and a low-set tail. It has a proud, elegant carriage and expressive eyes, with a long, thick mane and tail inherited from its Spanish ancestors.45

Colourschestnutbayblackbrownbuckskinpalominogreyroandunsabinoovero12

Personality what they are like

The Peruvian Paso is known for its calm, willing and people-friendly nature. It is intelligent, eager to please and generally not hotheaded or skittish, which makes it suitable for both novice and experienced riders. The breed's brio gives it a lively but manageable energy.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Peruvian Pasos need daily exercise. They excel in trail riding, parades, exhibitions, long-distance riding and farm work. They are sure-footed and can handle rough or hilly terrain. A securely fenced paddock or pasture with room to move is essential.63

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Standard horse grooming applies: regular brushing to keep the coat clean and healthy, mane and tail care, hoof care (the breed is often shown without shoes), dental checks, vaccinations and parasite control as advised by a vet.37

Home where they are happiest

Peruvian Pasos need a warm, secure shelter that protects them from the elements, plus access to clean water at all times. They are hardy and adapt well to various climates, but must have a safe, dry place to rest. There are no special legal restrictions on keeping this breed.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A Peruvian Paso requires a diet typical for a horse: up to 20 pounds of hay or pasture per day, fed in small, frequent portions. Fresh water must always be available (at least 8 gallons per day). Grain or concentrates may be added depending on workload, but a vet or equine nutritionist should guide the exact ration.3

Company who they like around

Horses are herd animals and the Peruvian Paso is no exception. It should have companionship from other horses or compatible livestock. The breed is friendly and curious, and thrives on kind, respectful handling. It is not venomous, protected or illegal to keep in any country.26

The story where it all began

The Peruvian Paso descends from horses brought to Peru by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. These horses blended Barb, Friesian, Spanish Jennet and Andalusian bloodlines. In Peru they were bred in isolation for centuries, with no outside blood introduced, preserving the natural four-beat lateral gait (paso llano) that is passed to 100% of purebred offspring. The breed was developed for endurance and smoothness over harsh terrain, and today it is the only naturally gaited breed that guarantees its gait in every purebred foal.12

Recognised by the official bits

Peruvian Horse Association Canada
Recognised as a distinct breed with a closed studbook4

How many 250002

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Peruvian Paso. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

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Treats they will love homemade and simple

Fruity Ice Block for Horses

A refreshing and hydrating treat for warm days, based on stable enrichment advice from The British Horse Society.

You need

  • Your horse's favourite safe fruit (e.g. apple slices, carrot sticks, banana chunks)
  • Water (or a splash of unsweetened fruit juice for extra sweetness)

How

  1. Cut the fruit and vegetables into horse-safe, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the pieces into a sturdy, horse-safe container or ice cube tray.
  3. Pour water over the fruit until just covered. If using juice, mix with water first.
  4. Freeze until solid.
  5. Remove the ice block from the container and offer to your horse in a safe feeding area.

How much: One ice block per horse, no more than once a day. Consider your horse's sugar intake if using juice.

Recipe from The British Horse Society

Simple Carrot and Apple Treats for Donkeys

Based on The Donkey Sanctuary's list of safe, healthy treats for donkeys. These are simple, natural, and easy to prepare.

You need

  • 1 fresh apple (not dried or cooking apple)
  • 1 fresh carrot

How

  1. Wash the apple and carrot thoroughly.
  2. Chop the apple into small, donkey-safe pieces (remove any seeds).
  3. Grate the carrot or chop it into small, non-round pieces to avoid choking.
  4. Mix the apple and carrot pieces together in a clean bowl.
  5. Offer a small handful as a treat, or scatter in their feed area for foraging.

How much: One small handful-sized portion per day maximum (about 1-2 leaves or a small handful).

Recipe from The Donkey Sanctuary

Pumpkin and Oat Horse Treats

A baked treat recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center, using safe ingredients like pumpkin and oats. Suitable for horses, not for ponies or donkeys due to sugar content.

You need

  • 4 cups whole oats (or crushed/rolled barley if your horse is sugar-sensitive)
  • 1 can pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 2 tsp cinnamon

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the pumpkin and water together.
  3. Add the dry ingredients (oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon) to the pumpkin mixture and stir until combined.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a greased cookie sheet.
  5. Optional: add a sugar-free peppermint topping to some treats if your horse can have them.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely before feeding.

How much: 1-2 treats per day, depending on your horse's size and dietary needs. Always introduce new treats gradually.

Recipe from Rutgers Equine Science Center

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Peruvian Paso, and what should it eat?

Feed your Peruvian Paso up to 20 pounds of hay or pasture daily in small, frequent portions, and always provide fresh water (at least 8 gallons per day). Grain or concentrates may be added based on workload, but check with your vet or an equine nutritionist for the exact ration. Furry Diary's starting plan is to provide fresh food and water every day.3 Furry Diary plan

Which foods and plants are dangerous for a Peruvian Paso?

Avoid feeding your Peruvian Paso foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as these are toxic to many animals. Avocado is especially dangerous for horses, so keep it away. For a complete list, ask your vet or refer to the ASPCA's guidance on toxic foods.8

How much space and land does a Peruvian Paso need?

Your Peruvian Paso needs a securely fenced paddock or pasture with room to move and exercise daily. They are sure-footed and can handle rough terrain, so a good-sized turnout area is essential. The exact amount varies, so consult a good breeder or equine expert for your specific situation.63

What kind of shelter does a Peruvian Paso need?

Provide a warm, secure shelter that protects your Peruvian Paso from the elements, such as rain, wind, and sun. They are hardy and adapt to various climates, but must have a safe, dry place to rest. Always ensure access to clean water.3

How do I look after a Peruvian Paso's hooves or feet?

Regular hoof care is important; many Peruvian Pasos are shown without shoes. Furry Diary's starting plan includes picking hooves daily and scheduling a farrier visit every 42 days. Always follow your vet or farrier's advice for your horse's specific needs.37 Furry Diary plan

Does a Peruvian Paso need grooming or shearing?

Yes, standard horse grooming applies: regular brushing keeps the short, fine coat clean and healthy, and take care of the long mane and tail. They do not need shearing, but consistent grooming helps maintain their elegant appearance.374

Can a Peruvian Paso live alone?

No, Peruvian Pasos are herd animals and need companionship from other horses or compatible livestock. They thrive on kind, respectful handling and can become lonely or stressed if kept alone. Consider a friend for your horse.26

How long does a Peruvian Paso live?

The lifespan of a Peruvian Paso varies depending on care, genetics, and environment. For a specific estimate, ask your vet or a good breeder who knows the breed's typical longevity.

Is a Peruvian Paso good with children?

Yes, the Peruvian Paso is known for its calm, willing, and people-friendly nature, making it suitable for both novice and experienced riders. With proper handling and supervision, they can be good with children. Always teach kids how to interact safely with horses.32

What regular vet care does a Peruvian Paso need?

Your Peruvian Paso needs regular dental checks, vaccinations, and parasite control as advised by a vet. Furry Diary's starting plan includes annual teeth care and parasite prevention as your vet recommends. Always follow your vet's schedule for check-ups.37 Furry Diary plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

  1. breeds.okstate.edu: peruvian paso horses breeds.okstate.eduused for origin, weight kg, colours, best traits, history, fun fact
  2. fei.org: horse breed peruvian paso 6 facts fei.orgused for height cm, lifespan years, colours, temperament, social needs, history, world population
  3. webmd.com: what to know about the peruvian paso horse webmd.comused for best traits, temperament, activity needs, grooming or care, habitat needs, diet basics
  4. phac.ca: breed information phac.caused for weight kg, coat or body, best traits
  5. en.wikipedia.org: Peruvian paso en.wikipedia.orgused for height cm, coat or body
  6. horseillustrated.com: horse breeds the peruvian horse horseillustrated.comused for activity needs, social needs
  7. equihorn.com: peruvian paso equihorn.comused for grooming or care
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  10. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  11. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
  12. RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.