The American Paint Horse

The American Paint Horse combines the conformational characteristics of a Western Stock horse with a Pinto spotting pattern of both white and dark colors. It has both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines. They differ from Pinto’s only by bloodlines.

This horse breed was a favorite among the Native Americans and some even believed them to have magical powers. The paint horse is a very hard working, friendly and very intelligent breed.

They have long been prized for their colorful patterns which are Tobiano, Overo, Sabino, and Tovero. Although they are prized for their spotting patterns, they can come out solid colored. To learn more about their patterns and colors, see horse colors.

The APHA, is second-largest breed registry in the United States today. They do allow solid colored paint horses to be registered, however, there are restrictions. A solid colored paint is not allowed to compete in APHA events. Recently, there has been some events established strictly for solids.