| You are now wondering what in the world is a paint | | | | round patterns that extend down over the neck and |
| horse. Where did it come from and who has them? | | | | chest; head markings are like those of a solid-colored |
| You have never heard of them before and now your | | | | horse-solid, or with a blaze, strip, star or snip. They can |
| curiosity has been spiked and you want to learn | | | | be either primarily dark or white. |
| everything you can about this special breed. | | | | Tovero-There is dark pigmentation around the ears, |
| The American Paint Horse is a breed of horse that | | | | which may expand to cover the forehead and/or |
| combines both the characteristics of a western stock | | | | eyes; one or both eyes are blue; there is dark |
| horse with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark | | | | pigmentation around the mouth that may extend up |
| coat colors. It is now one of the fastest-growing | | | | the side of the face; chest spots vary in size and may |
| breeds in the United States. The paint horse is a | | | | also extend up the neck; flank spots range in size and |
| descendant from the Spanish horses that were | | | | are often accompanied by smaller spots; there are |
| exported to the Americas in the 16th century and it | | | | spots of various sizes at the base of the tail. |
| became part of the herds of wild horses that roamed | | | | The paint horse was cherished by cowboys for work |
| the Western deserts and plains. | | | | with buffalo and livestock. Native Americans revered it |
| They are found around the world and are distinguished | | | | because they believed it possessed magical powers. |
| by their coloring-which includes spots, stripes, barred | | | | Both the cowboys and Native Americans would add |
| legs or splashes of color on a dark or light | | | | color and decorations to themselves and to their |
| background-something similar to the camouflage used | | | | horses to make stand out and be different from |
| by soldiers. Their markings can be of any shape or | | | | others. This horse is loved by many and is a |
| size and are located virtually anywhere on their body. | | | | dependable, hard worker that is known for its easy, |
| There are three specific coat patterns associated with | | | | comfortable paces that could be maintained over very |
| them: | | | | long distances-this was, of course, very important to |
| Overo-The white usually does not cross the back of | | | | the people in the Old West that rode them. |
| the horse; at least one and often all four legs are dark; | | | | Over the years, the athletic ability of these animals has |
| the white is irregular, and is rather scattered or splashy; | | | | been improved by breeding conditions. The unusual |
| head markings are distinctive, often bald, apron or | | | | coat patters and coloring are still the same and they |
| bonnet-faced. They may be either primarily dark or | | | | are intelligent and wonderful animals to ride. They are |
| white. | | | | excellent for the afternoon jaunt, working on a ranch, in |
| Tobiano-The dark color usually covers one or both | | | | a rodeo, riding a trail, or just as a friendly horse for the |
| flanks; usually all four legs are white, at least below the | | | | children to love and enjoy. |
| knees; the spots are regular and distinct as ovals or | | | | |