Ivonne Novey, Peruvian Paso horse breeder in Panama

Peruvian Paso horse breeders take on a great responsibility in ensuring the future of this breed, which currently has a small number of horses in the world.

Therefore, it is very important for the breed and for equestrian culture to preserve the extraordinary qualities that were achieved through meticulous selection by man over five centuries.

We believe that we should pay attention to their protection and breeding and make them known internationally.

To show the virtues of this special breed, we interviewed Ivonne Novey, a woman who is passionately dedicated to breeding the Peruvian Paso horse in Panama.

Ivonne also reveals to us in the interview the activities they carry out in her country to protect and promote Peruvian Paso horses. Read the interview to get to know Ivonne Novey and to learn more about Peruvian horses!

Meet Ivonne Novey

Where does your passion for horses come from?

My passion began when I was a child. I would have been one year old when a foal was born in our country house. We called him Sputnik. He grew up with me and I with him.

When and how did you get your first Peruvian Paso horse?

My first Peruvian Paso horse was a filly that my husband gave me. Her name is Chabuca, a direct granddaughter of Sol de Oro.

You breed Peruvian Paso horses. Can you explain how you started and what motivated you?

A few months after we got Chabuca, we bought another mare. A beautiful bay, with extraordinary gaits.

Very good genetics according to those who advised us at the time. She was thin and poorly cared for because her colour was not to the liking of her previous owner.

It was the first time we had entered a competition and MAA Cristal was Champion of Champions (1991, Concurso Coronado). The other filly entered with a muzzle and came third, if I remember correctly.

That's when the enthusiasm kicked in and we said, now we have to learn...

We made 4 trips to Peru, we saw competitions, we met breeders and stud farms... And finally we bought 2 mares and a stud.

It is said that the first time a rider who has never ridden a Peruvian Paso horse does so, they consider that ‘Riding this horse has been my best equestrian experience’. Can you explain why it arouses so much passion and admiration among the riders who ride it?

I think I am a good reference on this particular subject. Due to a genetic condition, I do not walk correctly and I can rely much less on the stirrups. I sit on the horse. I ride without a saddle and without stirrups.

The Peruvian Paso horse is undoubtedly the most comfortable horse due to its 4-beat gait and its ability to keep the centre of gravity balanced.

The characteristics of the Peruvian Paso horse

Could you tell us about the origin of the Peruvian Paso horse?

The Spanish arrived in South America via Panama. During their conquest they used horses as a means of transport and for warfare. Among these Andalusian and Berber horses was a group of amblers.

In Peru they genetically fixed the amble and selected until they arrived at what we know today as the Peruvian Paso Horse.

What are the characteristics of the Peruvian Paso horse that make it stand out from other breeds?

Above all, its smoothness and great forward momentum. Strength and ability to travel great distances.

The origin of the Peruvian Paso horse goes back to the conquest of America. What do you think was the main characteristic that motivated its breeding and genetic selection?

As I understand it, they selected and bred the horse they needed for their main commercial activity: agriculture.

Farmers no longer need them, they have replaced them with motorised transport. The horse is left to be enjoyed.

I have read in many articles that breeders of the breed believe that this horse is the ‘best saddle horse in the world’. Could you tell us what makes you think this, compared to other saddle horse breeds?

I already explained it in another question, but in a nutshell, my horses are my legs. On them I can move around places and at speeds that my condition does not allow me.

The breeding of Peruvian Paso horses

As the population of the CPP is small compared to other breeds, is there a risk of inbreeding within the breed or of the breed becoming extinct?

I appreciate the question and will answer it, although I know that many will not like my opinion. It is something that concerns several breeders in different countries.

As the question indicates, the breed is small and therefore the risk of inbreeding is increasing every day.

Several things need to be done, which I will list:

1. Certify the stallions: this should be done by professional geneticists and veterinarians from a European country that has well-organised horse breeds, whether they are PRE or Hanoverian. They have the experience and Peru has its breed standard.
2. Open the stud books: search for fresh blood in Peru and neighbouring countries that share this wonderful specimen.
3. Control the number of embryos that can be removed from each mare.

*You run the ‘Criadero de León’. How many horses do you have and what challenges do you face during breeding?

The Criadero del León has 20 animals including breeding stock, geldings and foals. The most difficult thing about breeding in Panama is a bit like the previous question. There are not enough breeding stallions and semen cannot be brought in.

We make a great effort and bring in pregnant mares.

This stud farm has bloodlines that are different from everything else you find in Panama. I always bring in what is not here. When I look for mares and breeding stock, I look for old, healthy ones with foals already under saddle.

Fortunately, I have a magnificent horse whisperer who lives for horses. He has some knowledge of natural horsemanship and he is patient. My horses are handled, as the song by Chabuca goes, ‘with silk ribbons’.

What is the greatest satisfaction that your work with Peruvian Paso horses brings you?

The easiest question to answer: Riding every day.

*What are the values of which you are most proud of your horses?

As with everything, we sometimes make mistakes, but this stud farm should produce very fine, long-lived flatwork horses. Horses for riding.

Panamanian Association of Peruvian Paso Horses

Ivonne, you are part of the Panamanian Association of Breeders and Owners of Peruvian Paso Horses (Apcpcpp). Could you tell us what your position is and what your duties are in the association?

I have indeed been a member of the APCPCPP since 1991. I managed and organised the Association's Registry Books for more than 10 years.

I have been president on two occasions. I am not currently a member of the board of directors.

When was the Panamanian Association of Peruvian Paso Horses founded and what are its objectives?

The APCPCPP was founded on 6 June 1977.

The first competition documented on paper dates from 1980, and several horse breeds participated in it. In 1984, the first competition with only Peruvian Paso Horses took place.

Apart from the competitions organised by the Breeders' Association, what events does this association promote or collaborate with to disseminate the breed among the national and international public?

That depends a lot on who is president of our Association.

• There were years when we did events in the interior of the country. We took horses, we did parades, people danced with the horse and the national Panamanian pollera.
• We joined a Brahman cattle exhibition and showed the virtues of the Peruvian paso horse.
• We explained in great detail the difference in their gait versus the quarter horse used in cattle ranching.
• We put on a great show in the coliseum called ‘500 years on horseback and on the sea’. It was a representation of how the horses came to Panama to embark for the conquest of Peru. For this event, horsemen and horsewomen came from Peru and we provided the horses.

How could the CPP breed be promoted among the riding public?

Presentations (not competitions) are the key for me. The breed must be made known in the simplest and clearest way possible.

Coincidentally, in a couple of weeks, here where I have the Stud, a horse ride with all the breeds has been organised. We are going to ride through the whole village of El Valle and some of us will end up a little bit hot and others not so much.

Exhibitions, horse rides, clinics for children in summer are the way forward.

Peruvian Paso Horse Competitions

What are the most important Peruvian Paso horse competitions in Panama?

Panama's climate has limitations for this type of event. It only stops raining here for three months.

• The National Competition: without doubt the most important.
• We participate in the Azuero Fair and unfortunately the Playa Coronado competition and a very picturesque one that took place in Parita have been left out.
• In 1992, four partners, including myself, set up a competition called the ‘National Breeders’ Cup’.

This last one has a very important restriction. Only horses bred by Panamanians can participate.

The National Breeders' Cup led to a boom in breeding in Panama. Mares and foals were brought in, and crossbreeding was carried out in Peru to produce Panamanian-bred horses. It is still a very important competition.

During the CPP competitions, what are the most relevant characteristics that the judges take into account?

The Competitions and the Judges come to rate the animals at a specific moment.

In the competitions promoted by the association, what methods are used to measure the conditions of an animal, linked to its genetics, which define the horse's aptitude for travelling long distances for many years?

The Judges mostly come from Peru with their regulations and that is what they apply in our countries to judge.

Would you change anything in the format of the breed competitions or would you apply any reforms to them?

Well, yes. I would like all horses to go through an admission jury, which controls the access of animals with visible genetic defects. This jury should examine the animals without tack.

The track steward should also control the access of altered tack. Especially the part covering the rump area.

And finally, I would restore the importance of the functional test. In our country it is no longer done and in Peru it is done at the wrong time, far from the test itself.

During the competitions in which you have participated with your horses, which moments have you enjoyed the most?

When I present them. Obviously I have to ask for dispensation for the stirrups, and use the light ones...

I can't lie. Having won the National Competition of Panama with my gelding, IRH Alicante, was also a great moment.

IRH, my brand, is named after Ivonne and Roy Halman. I was always the passionate one, but it was Roy who introduced me to the world of horses and was by my side throughout.

Equestrian tourism

Have you ever been on a horse riding holiday abroad?

Only once. My condition doesn't help me on these trips, because of the getting on and off the horse. Once I'm on top everything is perfect, but getting on and off is quite an issue.

Have you ridden Peruvian Paso horses in Argentina?

Not yet. The pandemic meant we had to cancel the plan, the plane and hotel reservations, but it's still on the famous ‘Bucket List’.

Within the field of Equestrian Tourism worldwide, do you think that the Peruvian Paso horse already has a prominent role or perhaps will gain ground in the future?

I think the Peruvian Paso is the horse for equestrian tourism par excellence.

They are comfortable, good-natured and noble. I have even toyed with the idea of building a place here for riding in the rain...

Thank you for the interview

We would like to thank Ivonne Novey for doing this interview with us, in which we have been able to learn more details about the outstanding qualities of Peruvian Paso horses. Her reflections are the result of her own experiences and her work with the breed is admirable.