PACA PACA NEWSVolume 21 Issue 3Sept. 1, 2012

Pinecrest PeruviansOntario, Canada

AST Magia de la NocheIN THIS ISSUESafety on the TrailTwo Step Barrier WeaningThree Pillars of a Successful Breeding ProgrammeThe Ultimate Pisco SourAdventures in PeruAdding a Layer to My Peruvian Experience

Pinecrest PeruviansOntario, Canada

REGULAR FEATURESPeruvian Horse Club of BCPeruvian Horse Club of AlbertaSaskatchewan Peruvian Horse ClubOntario Peruvian Horse AssociationClassified AdsPics

AST Magia de la Noche

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

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.

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.

(*AV Sol de Paijan x RDLF Celene)

We offer Quality horses for sale, Stallions at Stud,

Professional Training, Lessons & On-going support

2009 & 2010 PHAC High Point Breeder

(CDV Ron Anejo x CDV Bandolera)

(RDS Me Llamo Peru+ x *JRM Altiva)

Check out our breeding stallions page for details on each of

these magnicant stallions, show history and offspring

accomplishments.

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.

Complete listing of quaility horses offered for sale can be found

on our website. www.paradisehorses.com

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Paca Paca Newsc/o Suzanne Brown

Email:suzy_brown @shaw.ca

Phone: (403) 680-1122

Paca Paca Newsis 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 HorseAssociation of Canada

CLRC2417 Holly Lane

Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0M7

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NEXT DEADLINE:

July 31,2012Jan. 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 lo-cal 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, vis-it 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 Ameri-can 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 gen-tled, trained or re-educated horse. Contact us for trail training, showing for you, or de-veloping good communication between you and your horse. SALES “Please tell all your clients or potential cli-ents 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

Crescent Moon Ranch PO Box 449 Acme, Alberta T0M 0A0 Email: soberano31@gmail.com

Dale Downey and Mimi Busk-Downey

Tack for the Show or Trail? We have just received a new shipment of saddles, head-gears and accessories to help you find that special treat for yourself and your horse. Give us a call!

Find us on Facebook—Crescent Moon Ranch Peruvian Horses

or Crescent Moon Tours

Website: www. Supergait.com

PHCBCȱBoardȱofȱDirectorsȱPresident:ȱ

ȱȱȱȱȱȱDonȱNoltnerȱȱȱȱȱȱȱSalmonȱArm,ȱBCȱV1Eȱ4P3ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱPhoneȱ:(ȱ250)ȱ835Ȭ8472ȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱEmail:hcperu@telus.netȱȱViceȱPresident:ȱTracyȱBrownȱAldergroveȱBCȱȱȱ(604)ȱ626Ȭ0011ȱEmail:tjjbrown@telus.netȱȱ

Secretary:ȱJoeȱMacRaeȱSaanichtonȱBCȱ(250)ȱ652Ȭ0082ȱEmail:luna2@shaw.caȱȱȱTreasurer:ȱJohnȱMcMillanȱArmstrong,ȱBCȱV0E1B5ȱ250Ȭ546Ȭ6621ȱEmail:jdhmcmillan@telus.net

DirectorsȬatȬLarge:ȱRobȱSjodinȱSalmonȱArm,ȱBCȱPhone:ȱ(250)ȱ832Ȭ1188ȱEmail:ȱ4beat@telus.netȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱOrȱDonȱNoltnerȱSalmonȱArm,ȱBCȱV13ȱ4P3ȱPhone:ȱ(250)ȱ835Ȭ8472ȱȱEmail:hcperu@telus.netȱȱ

PHCBCȱ2012ȱSPRINGȱCLINICȱThanksȱyouȱtoȱCathieȱTaggartȱforȱherȱquickȱthinkingȱandȱhardȱworkȱorganizingȱtheȱsuccessfulȱspringȱclinicȱ

(arrangingȱforȱPedroȱCantaro,ȱGilȱLoydȱandȱCathieȱNewberryȱtoȱreplaceȱLuchoȱDapeloȱwithȱveryȱshortȱnotice)ȱȱHeldȱatȱIvanȱ&ȱJudieȱBourell’sȱ.Theȱwholeȱlayoutȱfromȱtheȱarena,ȱtoȱstabling,ȱpensȱandȱtheȱwonderfulȱrelaxingȱareaȱtheyȱprovideȱforȱmealsȱandȱvisitingȱtimeȱasȱwellȱasȱcampingȱisȱaȱgreatȱwayȱtoȱspendȱaȱweekendȱwithȱyourȱhorsesȱandȱ

goȱhomeȱwithȱmoreȱknowledgeȱasȱwell.ȱBestȱschoolȱonȱearth.ȱȱ

ȱIvanȱBourellȱNorthȱOkanaganȱPeruviansȱȱȱ

BusyȱJohnȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱMcMillanȱ

Pictures provided by Suzanne Brown

Boxȱ207,ȱArmstrongȱBCȱV0Eȱ1B0 info@phcbc.ca

Announcements from the PHAC Board of DirectorsShow RulesA complete set of the updated Book of Peruvian Horse Showing is available at the PHAC website www.phac.ca. Those members who wish to receive a copy by mail should send a $5 cheque payable to the PHAC to: PHAC, General Delivery, Lyalta, AB T0J 1Y0.2012 PHAC MembershipsTo continue receiving the Paca Paca News and other member benefits, please send your cheque or money order payable to the PHAC to the CLRC, 2417 Holly Lane, Ottawa, ON K1V 0M7.Link your website with the PHAC website!The PHAC will add a link to your website for FREE. Email Bonnie Matheson at littlemountain@telus.net .Nominations to the PHAC Board of DirectorsNominations to the PHAC Board of Directors can be made throughout the year and forwarded to Gus McCollister, Executive Secretary by email at gusmccollister@efirehose.net , by phone 403-935-4435, by fax 403-935-4774 or by mail at PHAC, General Delivery, Lyalta, AB T0J 1YO. if you have any questions concerning the show or would wish to volunteer.Volunteering:If anyone is interested in becoming part of any of the committees (e.g. Rules, Bylaws, Advertising, Drug Testing), please contact any of the Board of Directors.Programs offered by the PHAC1. Junior Scholarship Program 2. Novice High Point Program 3. Trail Riding Program

We have updated our Website! Stop by and have a look.

! !!!Peruvian Horse Association of Canada!!

!New Membership Application

Name_______________________________________________________ Ranch Name__________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________ Town_______________________Province______Postal_______________ Telephone________________________Email________________________ !!Owner-Breeder $45.00! ! !!Aficionado $15.00!Aficionado memberships are non-voting and do not require ownership of a Peruvian Horse. Owner-Breeder members receive the member rates for registration services. I / We qualify as Owner-Breeder members through the ownership of the following horse registered with the Peruvian Horse Association of Canada: Name______________________________________Reg. #_______________________!!!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"!"The above application is for new members. Current members are billed directly by the CLRC, OTTAWA. Important: Current members please use the CLRC form with remittance OR quote CLRC ID number on this form here: ________________________ Make all cheques or money orders payable to: PHAC Mail to: Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC)

2417 Holly Lane, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0M7 """ "

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.

OPHA 2012 Summer Sizzler Horse Show, Agriplex - London, Ontario Peruvian Horse Results

Class Place Horse Rider Owner

47 Peruvian- Jr Equitation 7-17 1 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker Angelika Nadon 2 94 SRS Estra Lita Farrah Nadon Angelika Nadon

66 Peruvian- Open Equitation 1 92 HCP Endora Valerie Henderson Valerie Henderson 2 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett 3 98 Embajadora Luis Fiallos Susan Gambling 4 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca Susan Gambling Susan Gambling 5 90 MVF La Gringa Roy Metcalfe Betty Bassett 6 95 Aneela En La Penumbra Leanne McCabe Angelika Nadon 93 LF Embajador de Peru Norman Henderson Valerie Henderson 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker Angelika Nadon

94 Peruvian- Open Breeding/Luxury in Bit or Bozal Mares 1 92 HCP Endora Valerie Henderson Valerie Henderson 2 98 Embajadora Luis Fiallos Susan Gambling 3 90 MVF La Gringa Roy Metcalfe Betty Bassett 4 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca Susan Gambling Susan Gambling 5 95 Aneela En La Penumbra Leanne McCabe Angelika Nadon 6 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker Angelika Nadon

Geldings 1 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett 2 93 LF Embajador de Peru Norman Henderson Valerie Henderson

Champion - Open Breeding/Luxury in Bit or Bozal 92 HCP Endora Valerie Henderson Valerie Henderson Reserve Champion - Open Breeding/Luxury in Bit or Bozal 98 Embajadora Luis Fiallos Susan Gambling

105 Peruvian- Open Champagne 1 93 LF Embajador de Peru Norman Henderson Valerie Henderson 2 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca Susan Gambling Susan Gambling 3 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker Angelika Nadon 4 98 Embajadora Luis Fiallos Susan Gambling 5 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett 6 90 MVF La Gringa Roy Metcalfe Betty Bassett 94 SRS Estra Lita Farrah Nadon Angelika Nadon 95 Aneela En La Penumbra Leanne McCabe Angelika Nadon

115 Peruvian- Pleasure, In Bit

Mares 1 98 Embajadora Susan Gambling Susan Gambling 2 90 MVF La Gringa Roy Metcalfe Betty Bassett 3 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker Angelika Nadon Geldings 1 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett 2 93 LF Embajador de Peru Norman Henderson Valerie Henderson

Champion -Peruvian- Pleasure, In Bit 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett Reserve Champion – Peruvian- Pleasure, In Bit 98 Embajadora Susan Gambling Susan Gambling

132 Peruvian- Open Gait in Bozal 3+ 1 92 HCP Endora Valerie Henderson Valerie Henderson 2 97 MVF Antorcha Blanca Susan Gambling Susan Gambling

142 Peruvian-Open Gait in Bit, 4+ 1 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett 2 98 Embajadora Susan Gambling Susan Gambling 3 90 MVF La Gringa Roy Metcalfe Betty Bassett 4 95 Aneela En La Penumbra Leanne McCabe Angelika Nadon 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker Angelika Nadon

Best Gaited Horse of Show 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett

149 Peruvian-Open Performance, In Bit 1 91 BAB Torbellino Betty Bassett Betty Bassett 2 98 Embajadora Susan Gambling Susan Gambling 3 95 Aneela En La Penumbra Leanne McCabe Angelika Nadon 4 90 MVF La Gringa Roy Metcalfe Betty Bassett 96 NHP Campanilla Lyndsey Baker 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.

! 1

Adventures In PeruBy 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.

! 1

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.

Pisco SoursPisco 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 non-

aromatic 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 3-

legged 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. Safety2. Willingness

3. Energy4. 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

OwnerParadise Peruvian Horses of Canada

Canadian National Peruvian Show

Aug 30 - Sep 2Judge: 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

Calendar of Events 2012

Due to my Back Injury

I Must Sell my 4 Peruvian Pasos

Due to my Back Injury

I Must Sell my 4 Peruvian Pasos

Farron IJBStallion

BRS Bonita Nini & BRS Bella Olympa IJB

Package Price $12,000.00 for all 4Contact: 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 BrownTrained and Shown by Grant McKinney

BC 2010: Ch. of Ch. Breeding MareKneehill 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

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

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For 35 years, Crescent Moon Ranch horses have been known for gait, temperament and qual-ity 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.

The ability to produce exceptional daughters AND sons!

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