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Passion For Peruvian Pasos Ocala plays host to many world-class horse shows over the course of a year. And now, a very special show, the Peruvian Paso Horse World Show, is making its debut in Ocala at the World Equestrian Center.
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he team bringing this world-class competition to Ocala represents breeders and members from Rancho Santos Farm in Texas in conjunction with the Southwest Club of Central Texas. This will be the show’s sixth competition, THE SHOW PROMISES TO with previous BE A FUN, FAMILY-FRIENDLY competitions taking place in Miami. EXPERIENCE. YOU’LL BE SEEING Event organizer ANIMALS COMPETE AT THEIR Juvenal Pina, a breeder and owner “Peruvian BEST AND HIGHEST LEVEL. of Hacienda el horses are THAT’S SOMETHING MOST Alazán, has ridden considered the horses since he was smoothest riding PEOPLE DON’T GET A CHANCE just a kid. Mostly a horse because of TO SEE. hunter/jumper, Juvy this natural gait,” -JUVENAL PINA, EVENT ORGANIZER got away from the says Juvy. “Over horse trade when he attended college and played the years, breeders have eliminated faults and football. Then, a trip to Peru changed everything. perfected the breed.” “I went to a horse show in Peru and saw This April 16-17, the Peruvian Paso Horse these amazing horses,” he says. “It was very World Show will feature horses from all over the interesting. I had never seen a horse carry itself country, including those representing farms the way these horses do. I ended up buying from Missouri, Texas, Ohio, New York, South four horses and having them imported back to Carolina and more. Miami.” The horses were Peruvian Paso horses, “We are very excited to be showing in and Juvy has spent the latter half of his life Ocala,” says Juvy. “Ocala is centrally located breeding and caring for these horses, which and easy to reach, allowing us to obtain were originally brought to Peru by Spanish increased commitments from some of the best conquerors more than 500 years ago. ranches in the breed. In addition, the World Where some horses are known for their speed Equestrian Center is a beautiful, top-quality or power, the Peruvian Paso horse is known for its equestrian facility.” smooth, natural gait and lateral movements that The horses will compete in a variety of are 100 percent unique to Peruvian Pasos. classes, including gait classes, confirmation, 10
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Photo by Kelly Powers, courtesy of Peruvian Paso Horse World Show
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breeding and performance, among others. The first and second place winners from each class will qualify for the championship classes, which will start on Sunday. “This year’s champions will go against previous show, national or regional champions,” explains Juvy. “Whichever horse wins then becomes the champion of champions.” Juvy encourages everyone, even those who don’t frequent horse shows, to come and check out the event. In addition to the horse competitions, there will be vendors plus Peruvian craftsmen and artisans on-site. “The show promises to be a fun, familyfriendly experience,” says Juvy. “You’ll be seeing animals compete at their best and highest level. That’s something most people don’t get a chance to see.” Peruvian Paso Horse World Show // April 1617, 2022 // World Equestrian Center, Ocala // pph-worldshow.com