Peruvian Paso
willing, enduring, proud
Traits & strengths
- ✦the paso llano counts among the smoothest gaits of all
- ✦termino — the characteristic outward roll of the forelegs from the shoulder
- ✦high endurance over long distances in the Peruvian highlands
- ✦pronounced willingness to work (brío) with an amenable nature
Breed-typical predispositions
DSLD / ESPA (degenerative suspensory ligament desmitis)
Disease →the breed is among the most affected; the condition is systemic and affects connective tissue, not only the suspensory ligament. Early signs are dropped fetlocks on several limbs
Load from termino
Disease →the outward roll from the shoulder is typical of the breed and not a fault — but it increases load where connective tissue is already compromised
Latest findings
DSLD is a systemic connective tissue disease
ongoingStudies show proteoglycan accumulation not only in the suspensory ligament but also in tendons, eyes and vessels — the term ESPA (equine systemic proteoglycan accumulation) reflects this.
Source · Halper et al. — ESPA/DSLD research
Breed clustering without a confirmed gene test
ongoingThe clear clustering in Peruvian Paso and related lines argues for a hereditary component; a validated gene test is still outstanding.
Source · DSLD breed prevalence research