Horses show off their elegance in Peruvian tradition: 09-04-2008
While many people head to Peru to visit the spectacular sites of Machu Picchu, one of the country's traditional events is also sure to attract visitors.
The national horse competition, Caballo de Paso Peruano, is a competition to find the most elegant and beautiful horse in the country.
Taking place just outside Lima, the festival sees the special horses attempting to show their qualities while on parade.
The horses are led around the paddock by proud owners, who are traditionally dressed in white and covered with ponchos as well as sombreros.
A red handkerchief completes the traditional look for the riders of the horses, which are a blend or Spanish and Arabian breeds.
Many towns in the coastal regions of Peru have their own competitions to celebrate the majesty of the Peruvian horse and each festival differs slightly from the next.