Today we are taking a look at sabino pinto patterns, a group of similar looking patterns found in most breeds that carry spotted genetics.
Updated Colors
We’ve been giving our colors section a major overhaul, to make the information more accurate and provide better images. Equine color genetics are incredibly complex and some of it still remains a mystery, even for geneticists. We think that is part of the fun. Most of the horse colors and patterns can be broken down in a post, but pinto and appaloosa patterns are vast and distinct enough to warrant a closer look.
Pinto Terminology
Paints and pinto terminology can be confusing, but it’s fairly clearly defined. Pinto is the name used to describe a group of similar equine white patterns. Paint is the name used to describe animals with Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse bloodlines that are registered with the Paint Horse Registry. All Paints are pintos, but they must have specific breed genetics as well.
Color Confusion
With so many patterns it’s no surprise that there is confusing terms for them, this one concerns base color and words used to describe them when affected by pinto patterns. These are older terms and not as often used in the 21st century. With the modern understanding of pinto genetics, there are generally more accurate ways of categorizing them.
Piebald – Black
Skewbald – Chestnut
Tricolor – Bay and BrownSabino Characteristics
Let’s face it, visually telling pintos patterns apart is not easy, however there are a few key ways to distinguish a sabino from the other patterns. Originally thought to be an overo pattern (they are different genetically), sabino has similar characteristics. However there are a few subtle clues that set them apart.
Spots are showy with roaning
Flecking and ticking
Usually four white legs, often stockings
White lower lip
Badger face is probably sabino
White knee patches
Sabino Range
The range of colors themselves are almost endless, as pintos come in almost any color equine genetics can produce. With pintos it’s all about the patterns, each one with their own unique characteristics that make them special. Sabino is a a spectacular, splashy group of similar patterns usually identifiable by their extensive roaning. The examples below show a variety of expressions, from minimal to maximum.
Pinto Breeds
Many breeds carry pinto patterns and they are commonly found in animals with Spanish lineage. The breeds below are bred specifically for their lovely spotted coats (not necessarily sabino).
Cuban Pinto
English Drum Horse
American Paint Horse
American Paint Pony
American Pintabian
American Spotted Paso
American Spotted Saddle HorseColorful World
The world of horse colors is truly a spectacular one and we will continue to share updated color (and breed) pages, with all of their spectacular images.