Nothing is easier than listing the characteristics of the Peruvian breed. They're the smoothest-riding horses on earth. They are also among the most beautiful and stylish. They have an action in the forelegs - called termino - which is extraordinarily eye-catching and graceful. Bred by a small number of hacienda owners for hundreds of years, their development was closely controlled. Animals with unsuitable dispositions were not bred lest that same temperament show up in future generations. Yet an extraordinary energy and pride were bred in.

Though elegant, these horses were bred for work, first and foremost. One breeder described the priority by saying, "The Peruvian Paso is a work horse suitable for showing - not a show horse suitable for working."
When the breed characteristics are added together, one has animals in which seemingly incompatible characteristics have miraculously been combined. Where else can horsemen find such smoothness combined with such extravagant action? How many working horses are as stylish and spectacular? Where else is so much energy combined with so much willingness and tractability? What other breed carries its head so high and yet takes such a long stride?
Best of all, these characteristics are passed genetically. The breed is truly "natural" … to the extent that the show rules of the American Association of Owners and Breeders of Peruvian Paso Horses forbid artificial devices and require horses to be shown barefoot, with hooves trimmed to a minimum length.