American Paint Horse

Intro

The paint is a performance type color breed and are often bred exclusively for their spotted pattern. Crosses to gaited, pony or draft breeds are not recognized by the registry, only Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse bloodlines are allowed.

Origins

The first paint horses in American are thought to have been brought over from Spain, where record of their existence stretches back to 700 A.D. These spotted horses were prized by many Native American tribes who dutifully bred them for their spots. Later during the 19th century as Quarter horses came west, the two collided and more color was introduced to the stock type Quarter horses.

Keeping the Color

When the American Quarter Horse Association emerged in 1940, they excluded spotted white patterns in their registry. However the spotted stock horses had won many hearts and a variety of organizations sprang up to preserve them. In 1965 many of them banded together to form the American Paint Horse Association.

Today spotted paint patterns are heavily influenced by Quarter Horse blood, creating a versatile and intelligent animal. Breeding practices are based on American Paint Horse Association (APHA), American Quarter Horse Association and Jockey Club Registry requirements.

There are two patterns recognized by the paint breed: overo and tobiano (paint patterns are different genetically).

Overo
Rarely has white extending across the back between withers and tail
At least one and often all four) dark legs
Head markings are bald, apron or bonnet-faced
White markings are irregular, scattered and splash-like
Tail is generally one color
Animal may be either predominately white or dark

Tobiano
Generally displays solid colored head with a facial marking
Usually all four legs are white below hocks & knees
Spots are regular and clear in oval or round patterns
Spots on neck and chest
Either one or both flanks are dark
Animal may be either predominately white or dark