Rare Peruvian horses compete at Iowa Equestrian Center

Peruvian royalty of sorts will parade, prance and perform around the Iowa Equestrian Center this weekend.

The 15th annual Fiesta del Norte Peruvian Horse Show - held for the first time in Cedar Rapids - is taking place today and Sunday at the center on the Kirkwood Community College Campus.

Peruvian horses, or Peruvian pasos, are a rare breed - there are only about 15,000 in the United States compared to more than 5 million registered quarter horses - descended from the mounts of the Spanish conquistadors.

The horses are known for their smooth, four-beat, ground-covering gait, their beauty and their gentle dispositions, says Aura Austin, one of three committee members who organized the show,

Their gait - which bred, not trained - is a sight to behold, she says. 'They are 100 percent naturally gaited. It's very smooth and elegant and the horses are that way from birth which is really special.”

Spectators at the show, Austin says, won't be disappointed.

'Peruvian horses have an unbelievable personality that you can see when they are going around the arena. It is breathtaking. You wont' be able to take your eyes off them.”

Breeders from Oklahoma, South Dakota, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, Wisconsin and Iowa will bring their horses to compete and show throughout the event. Riders will compete in a variety of classes throughout the weekend, including the traditional Champagne Performance. In this class, Austin explains, riders take to the arena holding a glass of champagne to exhibit the remarkable smoothness of the Peruvian's gait. Whoever ends the class with the most champagne in the glass wins.

'We are a small group of dedicated horsemen and we are so pleased to share a South American treasure with the people of Cedar Rapids,” she says. 'These horses are extremely photogenic and the riders and owners are very enthusiastic about sharing and talking about their horses.”

IF YOU GO

'What:

Fiesta del Norte Peruvian Horse Show

'When

: 8 a.m. today through Sunday

'Where

: Iowa Equestrian Center, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids

'Cost

: Free

'More information

: Peruvianhorseshow.com