About the Andean Rural Horse
As it happens, all the horses on the entire American continent have their origins in Europe. The Spanish conquerors brought Andalusian (Spanish) and Berberisco (Arab) horses, as well as other breeds in their ships as a fundamental part of their first raids on American soil.
During the conquests, many of these horses were released or more likely, escaped, and began to adapt to the different natural environments of South America, such as the coastal desert interspersed by valleys and aggressive intermountain grasslands, in the mountains, , and some even in the rainforests. All of which helped shape the Andean Rural Horse. In South America, the horse adapted best to the extensive prairies in the South-East region – an area that today is part of the Argentine Republic.
In Peru, the Andean Rural Horse can be found in the Andean mountain range, in altitudes starting at about 3000m meters above sea level, surrounded by mountains and snow-capped mountains, where the air is thin and with lower oxygen levels. It is a strong and small animal allowing it to maneuver the narrow and steep paths of its mountain terrain. This horse has also large lung capacity due to the thin air and a rather thick coat to protect it from the harsh cold at the high altitude where it lives – both adaptations.
There is no history of registration or breeding with intent to develop the Andean Rural Horse. Regardless, in the Colony, Spanish settlers and native Andean people made great use of this horse. In recent times, the Andean Rural Horse has been overshadowed by the well known Peruvian Paso Horse.
The Andean Rural Horse has adapted to a harsh highland environment and has been able to survive in some of the most inhospitable places of the Peruvian Andes, such as the high plateau grasslands in the Province of Chumbivilcas, in the department of Cusco; In the District of Grau, in the department of Apurimac; and many other highland areas.
Historically, the most representative horse of this kind, the Morochuco, comes from Ayacucho in the Central Andes of Peru. Ancestral horses with similar features to these were fundamental to the battles that consolidated the Peruvian quest for independence in “the grasslands of the Quinoa” in Ayacucho, under the command of General Simon Bolivar.
The characteristics of the Andean Rural Horse are:
- It is lean with low muscular mass.
- Its head is medium size and has small cross.
- Medium-sized chest with a greater lung capacity.
- Short limbs with straight pasterns and hard shoes.
- A dense coat of fur and a thick mane.
- Tough and sturdy, with a lively temperament.
- His height varies between 13 and 15 hands.
The tour includes all the equipment necessary for the welfare of both the rider and the horse provided:
- Andean Rural horses.
- Saddles: English or Western style.
- Helmets.
- Vests.
- We do not use whips.
- Equine Equipment: food, warm blankets and accessories for horses.
- All camping equipment including tents, sleeping-mats, sleeping bags.
- Lunch during half day and one day tour.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during camping tours.
- Recovery programs for riders and horses.
- First aid for riders and horses.
- Experienced Personnel with expertise in the care of horses.
- Bilingual guide.
- Tourist ticket.
- Satellite communication: with the group on tour.
With: 
Copyright 2006 Land of the Inkas