American Paint Horse

The American Paint Horse is a breed of horses whichwhich is the same as the American Quarter Horse.
are known for having a percentage of white hair overThey should be heavy but not very tall, and their
skin combined with another color. This color pattern iscenter of gravity should be low. They should also be
one of the most important characteristics of this breed.very muscular with a powerful back legs. They should
The American Paint Horse Association is one of thealso be able to run extremely fast and maneuver
largest breed register centers in the US.quickly. The American Paint Horse is one of the most
Every American Paint Horse has white hair combinedpopular breeds of horses in the United States today.
with some other color found in horses. This includesDespite this, these horses are susceptible to getting
brown, black, tan, or gray. American Paint horses arelethal white syndrome, a genetic disease. Some foals
related to the American Quarter Horse, and share theare born with a pure white color and do not have a
same ancestors. The markings on these horses canfunctioning colon. As of this writing, no effective
be anywhere on its body. Like the Quarter Horse,treatments have been found for this disease, and the
American Paint Horses are known for their speed andfoal usually dies within two weeks. The death is a very
athletic qualities.painful process, and they are typically put down once
Strict requirements are necessary in order to registersymptoms have been found. The coat color alone is
these horses. Both the sire and dam have to benot an indicator that a horse has this disease.
registered in the APHA and the club forThis disease has become well known among
Thoroughbreds. At least one of the parents of theAmerican Paint Horse breeders, and many of them
horse being registered must be an American Painthave encountered this disease first hand. While it was
Horse. It is also important that the horse beingthought at one time that overos carried this disease,
registered have white fur over skin which is anotherrecent research has shown that not all overos carry
color. These horses have an excellent temperament,this disorder, and tobianos and quarter horses may
and make great pets.carry it also. Despite these conditions, American Paint
The American Paint Horse should have a body shapeHorses are highly prized.