Volume 21 Issue 3 Sept. 1, 2012
PACA PACA NEWS
Pinecrest Peruvians Pinecrest Peruvians Ontario, Canada Ontario, Canada
AST Magia de la Noche AST Magia de la Noche IN THIS ISSUE
REGULAR FEATURES
Safety on the Trail Two Step Barrier Weaning Three Pillars of a Successful Breeding Programme The Ultimate Pisco Sour Adventures in Peru Adding a Layer to My Peruvian Experience
Peruvian Horse Club of BC Peruvian Horse Club of Alberta Saskatchewan Peruvian Horse Club Ontario Peruvian Horse Association Classified Ads
Pics
2009 & 2010 PHAC High Point Breeder
(CDV Ron Anejo x CDV Bandolera)
Imported from Peru, *Caporal has proven his place in the breeding & Gait division in Canada. *Caporal has sired Ch of Ch's offspring in their first year of showing, BDS Risada, BDS Caminante, BDS Capataz.
(*AV Sol de Paijan x RDLF Celene)
Aro sires winners! Aro has sired the highest pointed horse in Canada SRO Marie. At the age of 20 years, Aro is going strong. He is accomplished in Breeding and Pleasure. He throws gait, size & great mind for show or trail. Aro is an amazing horse, such personality.
(RDS Me Llamo Peru+ x *JRM Altiva)
One magnificant stallion, Coqueton throws beauty, elegants & gait. Coqueton has a very impressive show record himself and we have found his offspring easy to work around and train from a young age.
Check out our breeding stallions page for details on each of these magnicant stallions, show history and offspring accomplishments.
Complete listing of quaility horses offered for sale can be found on our website. www.paradisehorses.com
We offer Quality horses for sale, Stallions at Stud, Professional Training, Lessons & On-going support
Owners: Ben & Dori Sawatzky Managers: Shannon & Cindy Zaitsoff 7886 - Bench Row Road, Vernon B.C. V1H 1H3 Email: info@paradisehorses.com Phone: (250) 558 - 4743
Paca Paca News is the official newsletter of the Peruvian Horse Association of Canada (PHAC). This publication is complimentary to those who hold a PHAC membership. To receive a subscription or membership, complete the form inside this newsletter and send with a cheque or money order for $45.00 (GST included) for an Owner/ Breeder membership or $15.00 (GST included) for Aficionado (non-owner) to:
Peruvian Horse Association of Canada CLRC 2417 Holly Lane Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0M7 Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of PHAC members, Board or the Editors. Paca Paca News makes every effort to avoid error and assumes no responsibility for copy submitted by contributors and/or advertisers. However, the Editor reserves the right to refuse material not suitable for publication. Items containing negative references toward individuals or groups or any other questionable material will be sent to the Board of Directors for approval prior to publication.
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PACA PACA NEWS Paca Paca News c/o Suzanne Brown c/o Suzanne Brown suzy_brown@shaw.ca or Phone (403) 680-1122 Email:
suzy_brown @shaw.ca NEXT DEADLINE:
July 31,2012 Phone: 680-1122 Jan.(403) 2013
Have you dreamed of………..
a trip to Peru?
Make your dream a reality! Riding Tour—February 2013—limited to 10 people. Ride experienced horses in beach, desert dunes, and in rural areas of Peru with a close up view of local agriculture. On non-riding days you will visit Inca and Pre-Inca ruins, museums, and relax by pool or beach. Nine days covering a week plus weekends.
National Show Tour—April 2013—Attend the largest Peruvian Horse Show in the world, visit breeding farms and haciendas, and get to know the culture of the Peruvian horse and its fabulous people. History buffs will enjoy tours of museums and ancient ruins. As active or relaxed as you wish, with plenty to do for the horse-lover and also for non-horsey friends or spouse, so they can enjoy a fabulous tour with you and with happy travelers. Show dates are April 14—22.
Add to any tour: Machu Picchu, Lake Titcaca or Arequipa Pricing includes all in-country transportation, guides and tours. NEW—We work with a North American travel agency to assist you getting the best ticket prices from North America. Call Mimi for information at 403-546-4331. Adventures of a lifetime — experiences you will treasure — with your comfort in mind!
TRAINING We offer training with Jimmy Perales From March 1 in 2012, now booking for summer and fall. Lessons for you on your newly gentled, trained or re-educated horse. Contact us for trail training, showing for you, or developing good communication between you and your horse.
SALES
Tack for the Show or Trail? We have just received a new shipment of saddles, headgears and accessories to help you find that special treat for yourself and your horse. Give us a call! Dale Downey and Mimi Busk-Downey
Crescent Moon Ranch PO Box 449 Acme, Alberta T0M 0A0 Email: soberano31@gmail.com
“Please
tell all your clients or potential clients from me: 1 saddle – paid for by Visa, 1 horse paid for by Visa – Years of advice and knowledge from the breeder – priceless!!!” —Lanah Rattray
Website: www. Supergait.com
Find us on Facebook—Crescent Moon Ranch Peruvian Horses or Crescent Moon Tours
Box 207, Armstrong BC V0E 1B0
info@phcbc.ca
PHCBC Board of Directors President: Don Noltner Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P3 Phone :( 250) 835 8472 Email:hcperu@telus.net
Secretary: Joe MacRae Saanichton BC (250) 652 0082 Email:luna2@shaw.ca
Vice President: Tracy Brown Aldergrove BC (604) 626 0011 Email:tjjbrown@telus.net
Treasurer: John McMillan Armstrong, BC V0E1B5 250 546 6621 Email:jdhmcmillan@telus.net
Directors at Large: Rob Sjodin Salmon Arm, BC Phone: (250) 832 1188 Email: 4beat@telus.net Or Don Noltner Salmon Arm, BC V13 4P3 Phone: (250) 835 8472 Email:hcperu@telus.net
PHCBC 2012 SPRING CLINIC Thanks you to Cathie Taggart for her quick thinking and hard work organizing the successful spring clinic (arranging for Pedro Cantaro, Gil Loyd and Cathie Newberry to replace Lucho Dapelo with very short notice) Held at Ivan & Judie Bourell’s .The whole layout from the arena, to stabling, pens and the wonderful relaxing area they provide for meals and visiting time as well as camping is a great way to spend a weekend with your horses and go home with more knowledge as well. Best school on earth.
Ivan Bourell North Okanagan Peruvians
Busy John McMillan Pictures provided by Suzanne Brown
Safety On the Trail Reprinted with permission from the Herbert Ranch Newsletter
A few pointers to help keep everyone safe on the trails this summer: these tips are often considered basic “Trail Etiquette�. It's more than just etiquette - it's safety. What we do or don't do can easily get ourselves or someone else injured, or can help make a safe enjoyable experience for all participants. This is by no means a complete list, but it gets us off to a good start. I'm not an expert trail rider, oe expert horseman, so please don't consider me one. I'm just a middle-aged trucker with too many horses and a dream of fun, friendly riding with no unnecessary expenses, and not too many rules. I'm just trying to help and get folks thinking on this a bit. 1) If your horse is grumpy/anti-social/prone to kicking or biting, please put red ribbons on your horse to warn others to stay clear. A red ribbon hanging on either side and a ribbon at the base of the tail is sufficient. Also, please do your best to keep your horse a safe distance from others to avoid conflicts. Do you know what mood your mare will be in on the day of the ride? Keep red ribbons handy. 2) Take a count of riders as you leave the trailhead. Count again periodically to make sure nobody is missing. If a rider near the back of the group fell off, there's a good chance the horse could stop and graze, or turn around and head for home. It's easier than it might seem for a rider to fall away from the group. Watch out for each other. 3) NEVER leave a rider alone. If a rider has dismounted, or halted, make sure at least one person in the group stays with that rider until s/he is back in the saddle. If the rider requires a few minutes to tend to personal matters, perhaps ride out of sight and take the rider's horse with you. If a horse in the group stops to relieve itself, make sure at least one rider stops with it. If the rider involved gives approval for you to continue without him/her, do so. But keep an eye out to make sure
the rider catches up. Horses can surprise us and react unpredictably - if the rider hasn't caught up in 5 minutes, be courteous and call or go looking for them. 4) Don't be timid. If you have a reason to stop the group, do so. Is your saddle sliding, your cinch loose, your horse acting up...? Don't be embarrassed - tell the group to stop, fix your problem, and enjoy the rest of the ride. If you notice someone with a cinch hanging or a strap broken, let them know and stop the group until it is fixed. This can be a life-threatening situation. 5) Have you packed a First Aid kit for your horse? How about a kit for yourself? 6) Dogs are ok on family outings, but in groups it's often best to leave Fido at home. If one person brings a dog, everyone is entitled to...that can make for various types of hazards. 7) Last but not least - in every group we find some knowledgeable horse folks. We also have some rookie trail riders (that's me!). If there's something you don't know, ask. The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. ď Ą
OPHA 2012 Summer Sizzler Horse Show, Agriplex - London, Ontario Peruvian Horse Results Class Place Horse Owner
Rider
47 Peruvian- Jr Equitation 7-17 1 96 NHP Campanilla 2 94 SRS Estra Lita
Lyndsey Baker Farrah Nadon
Angelika Nadon Angelika Nadon
66 Peruvian- Open Equitation 1 92 HCP Endora 2 91 BAB Torbellino 3 98 Embajadora 4 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca 5 90 MVF La Gringa 6 95 Aneela En La Penumbra 93 LF Embajador de Peru 96 NHP Campanilla
Valerie Henderson Betty Bassett Luis Fiallos Susan Gambling Roy Metcalfe Leanne McCabe Norman Henderson Lyndsey Baker
Valerie Henderson Betty Bassett Susan Gambling Susan Gambling Betty Bassett Angelika Nadon Valerie Henderson Angelika Nadon
94 Peruvian- Open Breeding/Luxury in Bit or Bozal Mares 1 92 HCP Endora Valerie Henderson 2 98 Embajadora Luis Fiallos 3 90 MVF La Gringa Roy Metcalfe 4 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca Susan Gambling 5 95 Aneela En La Penumbra Leanne McCabe 6 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker Geldings 1 91 BAB Torbellino 2 93 LF Embajador de Peru
Betty Bassett Norman Henderson
Champion - Open Breeding/Luxury in Bit or Bozal 92 HCP Endora Valerie Henderson Reserve Champion - Open Breeding/Luxury in Bit or Bozal 98 Embajadora Luis Fiallos 105 Peruvian- Open Champagne 1 93 LF Embajador de Peru 2 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca 3 96 NHP Campanilla 4 98 Embajadora 5 91 BAB Torbellino 6 90 MVF La Gringa 94 SRS Estra Lita 95 Aneela En La Penumbra 115 Peruvian- Pleasure, In Bit
Norman Henderson Susan Gambling Lyndsey Baker Luis Fiallos Betty Bassett Roy Metcalfe Farrah Nadon Leanne McCabe
Valerie Henderson Susan Gambling Betty Bassett Susan Gambling Angelika Nadon Angelika Nadon
Betty Bassett Valerie Henderson
Valerie Henderson Susan Gambling
Valerie Henderson Susan Gambling Angelika Nadon Susan Gambling Betty Bassett Betty Bassett Angelika Nadon Angelika Nadon
Mares 1 98 Embajadora 2 90 MVF La Gringa 3 96 NHP Campanilla Geldings 1 91 BAB Torbellino 2 93 LF Embajador de Peru
Susan Gambling Roy Metcalfe Lyndsey Baker
Susan Gambling Betty Bassett Angelika Nadon
Betty Bassett Norman Henderson
Betty Bassett Valerie Henderson
Champion -Peruvian- Pleasure, In Bit 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Reserve Champion – Peruvian- Pleasure, In Bit 98 Embajadora Susan Gambling
Betty Bassett Susan Gambling
132 Peruvian- Open Gait in Bozal 3+ 1 92 HCP Endora 2 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca
Valerie Henderson Susan Gambling
Valerie Henderson Susan Gambling
142 Peruvian-Open Gait in Bit, 4+ 1 91 BAB Torbellino 2 98 Embajadora 3 90 MVF La Gringa 4 95 Aneela En La Penumbra 96 NHP Campanilla
Betty Bassett Susan Gambling Roy Metcalfe Leanne McCabe Lyndsey Baker
Betty Bassett Susan Gambling Betty Bassett Angelika Nadon Angelika Nadon
Best Gaited Horse of Show 91 BAB Torbellino
Betty Bassett
Betty Bassett
149 Peruvian-Open Performance, In Bit 1 91 BAB Torbellino 2 98 Embajadora 3 95 Aneela En La Penumbra 4 90 MVF La Gringa 96 NHP Campanilla
Betty Bassett Susan Gambling Leanne McCabe Roy Metcalfe Lyndsey Baker
Betty Bassett Susan Gambling Angelika Nadon Betty Bassett Angelika Nadon
*N.B. Check OPHA Website at : peruvianpaso.ca or click on the following link to see many photos of the above show! http://www.peruvianpaso.ca/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=22528 Stay tuned for news of more events for OPHA Members in the near future……including the possibility of a wine tour in Prince Edward County and a special CLINIC on Natural Horsemanship. EDUCATION was identified as the highest rated request at our AGM.
Adventures In Peru By Joyce Brown After a late arrival in Lima, several of us took and early morning flight to Arequipa in southern Peru. Arequipa is known as the “white city” as many of the colonial buildings are constructed of white limestone. The city is surrounded by three volcanoes, none of which are active. They are very beautiful, capped with snow. A side trip brought us to the hacienda of Jose Miguel Rivas Vizcarra where we were treated to an exhibition of his Champion of champion mare, Gobenadora, and stallion Arequipeno. On the way to the hacienda we saw fields of cactus being raised in this high dry climate. Very puzzling, until we found out that they were for raising cochineal, which provide the red dye for dyeing fabrics and for export for make up manufacture. Next day we eft on a small bus to go where we could see the condors. We crossed the continental divide at 16000 feet of elevation. The air was so thin we had to walk slowly. We all felt like we needed oxygen to breathe. It was quite cold in the high country, as rain was coming, which it did by the time we stopped at Chivay. We stayed at Casa Andina, very rural but comfortable with a nice dining room.When we returned from a nice dinner by a roaring fire, we discovered “humps” in our bed, which turned out to be hot water bottles. I am sure we all cuddled them and were soon warm. Next a.m. took us on a narrow gravel road to Condor crossing where we hoped to see the condors fly up in the morning thermals. We were not disappointed.
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On the way we saw many wild vicunas, which have been an endangered species.They are harvested every 2 years and one shearing provides about 25 grams of fabric. No wonder it is so expensive.
Back in Arequipa we crossed the Chili river to visit an old mill where they used to grind grain. The mill is surrounded by 200-year old willow trees. The millstones are still there, and water still flows down the millrace.
On the last day some of us decided to have lunch at our hotel terrace overlooking the main plaza. As we ate a delicious lunch we could see something going on in the plaza and finally a parade started. Much to our delight the parade was led by three Peruvian horse, a fitting end to our stay in the this lovely city
And finally on the way to the airport we stopped for a tour of the Convent of Santa Catalina. This is a remarkable historical site where in colonial days the second eldest daughter or wealthy families where cloistered here.
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Pisco Sours Pisco sour is a cocktail made from Pisco, lemon or lime juice, egg whites, simple syrup and bitters – like Rum Punch is to the Caribbean – Pisco Sour is to Peru. Pisco is the national beverage of Peru – and Pisco Sour is the national cocktail. Pisco is a liquor made from distilled grapes the process goes back to colonial times. Pisco is is not a wine – it’s a high-octane grape brandy between 76 and 96 proof. The district of Ica (located on the coast of Peru south of Lima) is the Pisco Capital of Peru. It’s here that the grapes are grown and Pisco is produced. The first Pisco Vineyards were planted on the coast of Peru shortly after the arrival of the Spanish. The Marquis Francisco de Carvantes was the first to bring grapes to Peru importing them from the Canary Islands in 1553. In the late 1550′s the Spanish began to harvest and export the grapes selected to produce wines with – those grapes, which were deemed unacceptable, were discarded and given to the farmers to do with what they pleased. A small group of these farmers began to distill the grapes into a brandy and Pisco was born. During the 18th and 19th century Pisco was the mainstay of sailors who enjoyed Pisco due to its low cost and high availability. A position it retained until the onset of Rum, which had a lower price and softer flavor. Though today it is an uncommon beverage in the rest of the world in Peru Pisco remains the drink of choice. Since 2003, Peru has celebrated with a National Pisco Sour Day on the first weekend of February each year. As you discover the world of Pisco you’ll find it comes in different levels of quality. It is generally accepted there are four categories of Pisco: •
Pisco Puro – is made from only a single variety of grape to be accepted as “pure”. The most common grapes used for Pisco puro are the Quebranta,
however Mollar and Common Black can also be used. These grapes are nonaromatic and produce the highest quality of Pisco. •
Pisco Aromatico – produced from Muscat or a Muscat derived varietal, the Italia, Albilla or Torontel this Pisco has a fruity flavor derived from the more aromatic fruit. Though several different grapes can be used to produce Pisco Aromatico only one type of grape is accepted per production lot. (Chilean Piscos are classified as Aromatico)
•
Pisco Acholado – is made from a blend of both non-aromatic and aromatic grapes.
•
Pisco Mosto Verde – is made from partially fermented grapes – this is a poor man’s Pisco and not typically seen for sale. It has a higher alcoholic contenet and a strong odor and taste.
Pisco Puro and Pisco Acholado are the most common types of Piscos found in Peru. Creating the perfect Pisco Sour is highly debated especially between those people from the Ica District and those from other areas of Peru – the largest area of debate is the amount of Pisco and the amount of foam. Locals believe that the perfect Pisco Sour should be mostly cocktail with only a slight foam as an garnish, where people from other areas believe the foam should be at least in equal distribution with the cocktail if not more. Ultimate Pisco Sour Recipe from Nazca (the Ica District) Into a shaker combine 1 ounce of lemon juice – or ½ lemon and ½ lime juice 1 ounce of simple syrup 3 ounces Pisco Puro Shake for approximately 15 seconds Add a 1/4 cup crushed ice 1 teaspoon egg whites
Shake for an additional 15 seconds Pour into a rocks glass and garnish with a drop of bitters on top and enjoy
Three Pillars of a successful breeding program
The activity of a breeding program must be a highly scientific endeavour, supported by a lengthy study of the breed, the bloodlines and the activities of long term successful breeders. This bank of scientific knowledge is then sprinkled with specific preferences: the likes and dislikes of the individual breeder.
I have personally engaged in this activity in the Peruvian Paso horse breed for seventeen years. Along the way, I have I acquired a passion for this breed that runs deep, with a strong desire to produce only the best of the best. I have spent 17 years studying this topic with keen interest. I have visited many major breeders in Canada, the USA, Peru, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Along the way, I have developed a clear vision of what type of horse I want to breed.
In any breed, you will find the traditionalists – those who want to do things the very same way they have always been done. On the other side, you have the modernists, who want to change the basics and move off the breed standard to achieve their particular vision of what their horses should be like.
I am, myself, a modified traditionalist. I desire to build upon the historic strengths of the Peruvian Paso, with an eye to eliminate the less desirable traits that have crept into the breed in the last 50 years, since the horse became more of a “Show Piece� than a working animal.
The historic claim to fame of the Peruvian Paso is, of course its indisputable, innate, exquisitely executed 4 beat lateral gait that transfers minimal movement to the rider in the saddle. The less desirable trait is a recent lack of longevity
and strength in certain animals or bloodlines. This question is, of course, debated at length. Some will argue that it is not a genetic shortfall, but rather the product of the environment or nutrition or the way of handling and training the young animals. My precautionary personality compels me to play it safe on all three of these fronts.
So how do you define, with clarity of vision and actionable purpose, a set of breeding principles that are most likely to succeed? Here are the conclusions that my study has led me to implement. I have decided to build my breeding program on The Triple Pillar Principle; the 3 legged stool, so to speak.
Why 3 pillars? Because no foundation, particularly in the breeding of animals, is ever perfectly formed and flat. It you build something on such an imperfect platform with 3 pillars, you have a much greater chance of building something firm and stable, than putting 4 or more legs underneath it. Sitting on a 3legged stool always feels more secure and stable, especially on a less than perfect footing, than 4 or more. Each of the 3 legs equally supports the weight.
What are these 3 principles, and what is their order of importance? The moment I state them, there will be those who will argue their importance and their order; but this is a healthy exercise and I encourage it. If it leads to thought provoking discussion and helps breeders to define their own purpose and vision, it is a worthy exercise. I believe in these principles and I am seeing the positive results after more than a decade of practicing them. Ultimately, time will validate or discredit them.
The 3 pillars I have chosen to build upon, in this order, are BRIO, STRENGTH, and GAIT. Each of these 3 requires closer examination and definition. For the passionate and dedicated breeder, each of these topics should have an entire
book dedicated to it, but my purpose here is to simply touch on the main points and sub points I consider paramount, without exhaustive explanation.
First Pillar: BRIO Under this major Topic, I have chosen at least 5 sub-points. 1. Safety 2. Willingness 3. Energy 4. Obedience 5. Predictability
1. Safety. It is of critical importance to me that the animals I breed are well behaved towards other horses that they share a pasture with. I want to make sure that the type of horse I breed is safe for my staff and my family to work with and to ride. Safety for pasture mates and those humans who interact with them is paramount.
2. Willingness. I furthermore want to breed horses that are willing to learn and to work. Whether dealing with humans or animals, a teachable attitude is first demonstrated through this willingness. I want a horse that eagerly follows instructions and wants to go to work.
3. Energy. A high-energy horse is a time-honoured trait in our breed, and it is important to maintain and enhance that. High energy of course, is very different than a high-strung horse. A high-strung horse is nervous
and jittery. A high-energy horse is contained and calm, but willing to demonstrate a high level of energy and presence when it is asked for.
4. Obedience I want a horse that quickly learns to follow instructions and yields to the handler’s cues and instructions when applied consistently and repeatedly.
5. Predictability This is most important, because riding or working with a horse that is unpredictable makes it neither safe and nor enjoyable. I want a horse that communicates its mood to the handler and rider so that he/she need not be constantly worried about the horse’s next move.
Second Pillar: Strength This is probably the most controversial topic to discuss, not only in the Peruvian Paso but in many other breeds as well. Many in-depth studies have been published and explored under this subject, but my purpose here is to simply point to certain characteristics I find important in defining the strength of the Peruvian Paso horse. The six sub topics worthy of mention are:
1. Ride-ability to age 15 or 16 2. Show-ability to age 13 to 14 3. Endurance of 3 to 4 hour pleasure rides 4. Clean legs 5. Defined tendons 6. Correct conformation
1. Ride-ability to age 15 or 16 To age 15 as a minimum is important, when considering the time, effort and finances invested in any breeding program. It is also very important to the one or 2-horse owners who invest a considerable sum of money in their hobby and their pursuit of pleasure when purchasing a horse. The Peruvian Paso, it is known, generally does not have the life span of some of the other breeds that frequently live to an age of 30 or 35. But a life span of 20 years, with the ability to carry a rider to age 15 or 16, I think, is a reasonable goal to achieve. When you have horses that do not achieve these standards of longevity, it does not mean that your breeding program is a failure, or that it is failing. If the frequency of these events is, over time, improves, it means your program is in fact working. When you have horses that do not meet these standards, what you must never do is slowly begin to lower your own standards. I have seen this happen time and again, where ranches keep and continue to breed their crippled, in many cases young mares, thereby perpetuating the cycle of weakness.
2. Show-ability to age 13 to 14 We have all seen examples of spectacular horses, which for reason unknown to most of us never show themselves in a competitive environment after the age of 7 or 8. I believe it important that a Peruvian Paso should have the strength to compete for a period of at least 10 years under saddle, from the age of 4 to 13, as a minimum.
3. Endurance of 3 to 4 hour pleasure rides During its useful years, I have established as a minimum goal that a Peruvian Paso should have the ability to carry a rider in the form of a pleasure ride, in an easy,
uncollected gait for at least 4 hours, on a daily basis. This, as is the case in any athlete, will require proper time spent in build up and training as you would not expect this the first time out of the pasture after an inactive winter in the fields.
4. Clean legs The legs of the horse should remain clean and absent from constant puffiness and swelling of the joints, pasterns and knees, as these are signs of failing strength.
5. Defined tendons Clean definition of tendons, particularly on the lower limbs that take the most stress under a load, are important and a sign of healthy strength and endurance, and should be continually observed as an important sign of strength and longevity.
5. Correct Conformation All of these strength characteristics mentioned here will only become a reality if the mechanical construction of the body of the horse is correct and true to the breed standard. Correct conformation is of such major importance to the strength, longevity and gait of the Peruvian Paso, that many breeders will include it as one of the main pillars of their breeding program. Included here, among other points, should be: A. Size of 14 to 15HH B. Depth of girth (½ of its overall Height) C. Low tail set D. Proper angles, especially in the hind legs, pasterns and slope of shoulder E. Position of the head and neck
F. Compactness of the back G. Straight front legs and feet pointing straight forward
Third Pillar: Gait
Every Peruvian Breeder and owner will agree that the Gait is the single most important and defining characteristic of the Peruvian Paso breed. Many will disagree with me placing this important trait in the third position of my 3 principles, or pillars in my breeding program. Let me explain. I have seen too many people in the last 17 years of study who have either bred or purchased a champion of champion horse, or a best gaited horse of show, only to find that the horse is a danger to people and rider, (lack of noble brio) or that the horse broke down and became useless as a riding horse at a very early age. What good, I ask, is the most exquisitely gaited horse, when it is not able to transfer the joy of that experience to its owner, rider, or offspring for any length of time? However, the finely executed, smooth, 4-beat lateral gait is THE defining characteristic of our breed. What does it look like? Under this important and final pillar, I want to briefly look at 5 sub-points that define the essence of the gait. 1. Smoothness 2. Advance 3. Impulsion 4. Timing 5. Termino
1. Smoothness
First and foremost, of course, when evaluating gait is the smoothness of the horse as it carries its rider. We are looking for the horse that, when in a forward motion, transfers the least amount of movement to the rider in its saddle.
2. Advance In the Peruvian Paso we want to see an easy advance and ground covering movement. We are looking for a horse with long effortless strides covering more distance with fewer steps, thus conserving energy.
3. Impulsion The forward motion must come as a result of the horse pushing off its hindquarters, as opposed to pulling from the front legs. This translates into smoother movement, and greater ground covering strides. Overreach can be achieved by a horse pulling itself from the front legs, but it should be the result of a powerfully engaged strong hindquarter. This results in a stride that consistently, even in the flat walk, places its hind hoof print at the very minimum, one hoof print in front of the hoof print left by its front foot.
4. Timing Timing is of critical importance in the execution of the Peruvian Paso Gait. The movement should be lateral, with the footfall sound distinctly broken into 4 beats. Four even beats (that of the sound of 4/4 timing in music) are quite acceptable as this is the true sound of the Paso llano, the slow even gait. The preferable gait, the rare gateado, however, has a sound that is not quite even, but rather sounds like a broken two-beat pace, a sound made when the movement is lateral (pace) but the footfall is broken where the hind foot strikes the ground well before the front foot. When measured, the length of time between the footfall of the hind and the front foot on the same lateral side is
slightly less than the time between striking the ground with the front foot, and the hind foot of the opposite side.
5. Termino Termino, the flailing outward motion of the forelegs, similar to the arm motion of a swimmer is most prevalent in the Peruvian Paso horse, but is also visible in some other Spanish breeds. This movement often comes with lift and animation and is highly valued by some breeders, and is emphasized in their breeding program. This animated action can, however, contribute to up and down movement of the rider in the saddle, and contribute to a lack of smoothness. I personally prefer the low, long, outward rolling action of the front legs, similar to a cat sneaking up to its prey.
Brio, Strength, Gait; how do you lock these important characteristics into your breeding program? Here, I want to briefly touch on 4 critical tasks you must engage in to enhance (not guarantee) your chance of success.
First of all, find a mentor and align yourself with a successful teacher; preferably a breeder who has demonstrated his or her ability to consistently produce horses with these traits.
Second, study the bloodlines you are planning to breed back at least 5 or six generations to determine if these things are consistently present in those lines.
Third, look at the mare and the sire you are planning to cross and evaluate them for these 3 pillars of strength.
Finally, but most importantly, if it is possible, look at the prior offspring of the mare and the stallion you are planning to use to determine, with the help of
your mentor and other knowledgeable breeders, if the traits you are looking for are demonstrated through these offspring.
In conclusion, until you have done these things, at all cost, avoid the pitfall of so many: that of breeding all your mares to the 4 or 5 year old current champion of champion stallion, only to find yourself disappointed and discouraged 5 years later, with a herd of horses that does not define your principles of what your herd should be, feel or look like.
As for me, at my farm, I want horses that are noble and well behaved towards other horses, its handler and rider (brio, and a sound mind.) I want strong horses with stamina and longevity (strength, and sound bodies.) And finally, I want horses that move smoothly and effortlessly for horse and rider (gait.)
Ben Sawatzky Owner Paradise Peruvian Horses of Canada
Calendar of Events 2012 Canadian National Peruvian Show Aug 30 - Sep 2 Judge: Amador Carrera Chilliwack, B.C. Contact: Ben Sawatzky ben@spruceland.ab.ca US National Championship Show October 12-14, 2012 John Justin Arena Fort Worth, Texas Judge: Renzo Crole info@napha.net www.napha.net
Due to my Back Injury I Must Sell my 4 Peruvian Pasos
Farron IJB Stallion
BRS Bonita Nini & BRS Bella
Olympa IJB
Package Price $12,000.00 for all 4 Contact: Braun Sherman: phone 250-269-7410
ADDING A NEW LAYER TO MY PERUVIAN EXPERIENCE
Lois Worden – LoKey Ranch It was like waiting for Christmas! Counting from the time that our OPHA President, Betty Bassett notified me that Annette Kart had agreed to be the Judge at our Summer Sizzler Show at the London Agriplex…it was 81 days until Annette set foot on Canadian soil…all the way from Burbank, California! Along with her, Annette brought years of knowledge and experience with the Peruvian horse breed…to say nothing of the pounds…oops kilograms… of Peruvian tack, hats, ponchos and publications, which she so carefully packed… to share with us on this side of the border! Annette arrived at Pearson Airport right on time and despite her long journey and several transfers, she was ready to celebrate her arrival with us and to discuss the many possibilities to educate our club members and to share her vast knowledge with our members and show participants. Over the course of the next three days, Annette: - provided instruction in natural horsemanship to help us get the most out of our horses; - offered information on the bloodlines of many of our horses, making sense of some of the traits that we can identify in our individual animals; - shared many Peruvian publications from past decades to allow us to see photos of some of the ancestors of our horses; - judged more than a dozen classes and provided information to the riders to make their experience meaningful; - provided impromptu seminars for the members and participants on topics covering many issues specific to Peruvians and horses in general; - adjusted tack on our horses to allow for the best performance and comfort of the horses and riders;
encouraged and supported our riders, especially the young participants, teaching them skills that will last a lifetime; - wined and dined with us; - made us laugh; - made us cry (when we had to say good-bye); - rode BAB Torbellino, our President, Betty’s horse in the Barrida; - burned several C.D.’s of Peruvian music and donated them to OPHA to use in future shows; - told us that the best way to gain recognition of and appreciation for the Peruvian breed, is to participate in shows and events with mixed breeds; - advised us that only “real” bubbly is acceptable in the Champagne Classes (except for the junior riders); - offered to return in the future to do a multi-day seminar on “all things Peruvian” All this and more was accomplished by Annette despite jet lag and some very long days at the show. Annette has judged at the Canadian Nationals in 1989 and 1998, Nationals and Regionals in U.S.A., Equador, Honduras, Panama and ElSalvador! Now she can add ONTARIO to her extensive resume!!! Having Annette at LoKey Ranch for a few days gave me a great start to my summer season. I have much new material to work on with my Peruvian, MVF Ulises de la Montana. I have great memories of a happy reunion with a good friend, Annette. Her relaxed Californian style and her willingness to share hard work and socializing made those days in 2012 ones I will remember with a smile! -
*MRA Candela (LV Actor X LAG Sopresita)
Owned by Suzanne Brown Trained and Shown by Grant McKinney BC 2010: Ch. of Ch. Breeding Mare Kneehill 2011: Ch. of Ch. Breeding Mare 2011 Sask.: Best Gaited Horse of Show Wild West 2012: Double Ch. of Ch. Breeding Mare & Best Gait
Vista Ridge Ranch Imported Top Bloodlines
What is the mark of a good sire?
CM Inca Roca is passing his gateado gait, drive, strength. Add to that, the bonus of elegance and beauty. These four exceptional colts and fillies are out of three different mares from three different bloodlines.
The ability to produce exceptional daughters AND sons!
CM Real at 2 yrs CM Laberinto at 4 yrs
CM Real at 2 yrs
Find and “like” us on Facebook: Crescent Moon Ranch Peruvian Horses CM Amanecer at 9 mo.
CM Nazca at 3 yrs
For 35 years, Crescent Moon Ranch horses have been known for gait, temperament and quality of training. Dale and I, and our trainer Jimmy Perales do all we can to match good people with the right horse for them. If you want a high quality horse that is a dream to ride, we have several for you to try. You won’t be disappointed.
Crescent Moon Ranch Dale Downey & Mimi Busk-Downey Box 449, Acme, Alberta Canada T0M 0A0 Phone (403) 546-4331 Email: soberano31@gmail.com
Website: www.Supergait.com