Lima will host the Peruvian Paso Horse World Championship on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, at the Army Riding School in La Molina.
The international gathering marks a major milestone this year by bringing together delegations from 21 countries. Nations competing for the first time include Germany, China, and Greece, joining countries traditionally linked to the discipline, including Peru, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Argentina, Brazil, and Spain.
The Peruvian Paso horse is a specialized light saddle horse breed native to Peru, protected by national decree as part of the country's cultural heritage. The breed is world-famous for its unique, inherited lateral gait called the paso llano, which produces an extraordinarily smooth ride for the rider. The venue, the Army Riding School (Escuela de Equitación del Ejército), is a prominent military equestrian facility situated in La Molina, a residential district in the eastern suburbs of the Peruvian capital.
Major competitions and equestrian displays
Visitors at the two-day event will watch a series of high-level competitions combining tradition, elegance, and riding skill. Central competitive events include the Third World Contest of Marinera with Peruvian Paso Horses and the First World Contest of Equestrian Squads. The programme also features the Grand Final of the Sixth International Efficiency Championship, where riders and horses will test their precision, stamina, and connection.
The Marinera is Peru's official national dance, characterized by graceful courtship movements, rhythmic footwork, and white handkerchiefs. In equestrian exhibitions, riders guide Peruvian Paso horses to execute rhythmically stepped movements in harmony with human dancers on the ground, creating a signature display of Peruvian folklore.
A key highlight of the gathering will be a monumental choreography performed jointly by international delegations. Cultural programming includes a stage show by the Jallmay folklore ballet, a prominent Peruvian dance troupe known for showcasing regional Andean and coastal musical traditions.
Organisers have also scheduled an emotional tribute to the Señor de los Milagros squad on paso horses. Additional acts include performances by international equestrian squads and the Peruvian Army brass band on horseback, known as the army farándula.
Cultural highlights and ticket information
The schedule further includes the presentation of The Queen of the Peruvian Amazon World Contest, alongside diverse shows highlighting Peru's regional cultural wealth. The tribute to the Señor de los Milagros pays homage to the Lord of Miracles, Peru's most revered Catholic image, whose traditional processions take place across Lima every October.
Beyond the arena events, the venue will feature a dedicated food court, a children's activity area, an artisan craft fair, and live music performances to provide a full family experience. Organisers confirmed that entry tickets for the two-day event are available for purchase online through the Joinnus platform.
