ArizonaRealCountry.com 43 October 2017 By Liz Potof & Michele Wilson The Copper State Peruvian Paso Club (CSPPC) is beginning its fall season with a Board of Directors meeting to plan the 2017-2018 activities.  A list of events will be sent to the members and local horse publications. This way people can mark their calendars for the coming season. There has been a renewed interest in the Peruvian Paso around the country.  Longtime Peruvian horse owner, Nicole Brass, who lives in Idaho, purchased 2 Peruvian Pasos in Arizona. (See parade pictures in this article) Nicole’s history with horses goes back many years. Her family bred and raised Peruvians for over 30 years and her mother was an accredited Peruvian Paso judge. Nicole was and still is an outstanding horsewoman who has trained and ridden many breeds of horses to many championships. It is for that reason her insight and expertise is so valued. She can talk to Arab owners, Quarter Horse owners, Ropers, reiners, barrel racers AND Peruvian Paso owners. She loves all horses and loves to answer questions. Her main goal is to have a HAPPY horse as well as a HAPPY owner. She also admits to having a passion for the Peruvian horse because  of her family’s involvement with the breed for so many years. The Club is hoping to arrange a seminar with Nicole (she’s a busy woman!) in the form of a Meet and Greet to reintroduce people to the Peruvian Paso.   Another Club member, Michele Wilson, realizes the importance of having a young Peruvian horse trained by a professional with a firm but kind hand. Michele’s story: I know that many of you have followed MCA Coralina’s adventure at Fortaleza Ranch in Winchester, CA. Please view her picture. Master Chalan Oscar Quijandria reports that Coralina has progressed to “four reins”. This is a step before full bit training and head setting for collection. The young horse has passed “bozal” training, guided by the rider using only the nosepiece with reins attached. Walking, gaiting, stopping and turning are all functions learned in bozal. The trainer then adds the bit and continues to work the horse using light pressure on the bit and finally transitioning to just the bridle, bit and its reins. Other pieces of equipment that you can see are the “tapa ojos” or eye covers and the halter, covering both the bozal and the bridle and used to lead the horse from the ground. This all makes up the traditional “jato” or Peruvian headgear. Coralina is progressing nicely and continues to be a favorite on the ranch. Oscar calls her “noble”, willing and smart. Club members and aficionados around the world are gearing up for The NAPHA National Show that will be held at the John Justin Arena in Fort Worth from October 20th through the 22nd. We encourage all aficionados of the Peruvian Horse to attend and view the fine animals that will be on display. If you can’t attend, the classes and events will be live streamed, sponsored by ranches and breeders from around the globe. Go to www.NAPHA.net. Join CSPPC on our Facebook page and like us. We look forward to hearing from you. If you have questions or comments, please call Liz at 602-799-4913 or Michele at 602-540-2135. News from Copper State PERUVIAN PASO CLUB Hailey ID parade, led by Nicole Brass on JBS Suspiro Photo courtesy of Nicole Brass Hailey ID parade, JBS Suspiro and AFA Calido Sol, owned by Nicole Brass Photo courtesy of Nicole Brass MCA Coralina in full Peruvian tack Photo courtesy of Carol Helding Engles and Oscar Quijandria