Paint Horses

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Paint Horses - Origin

Photo source:
Esperanza Ranch

Paint horses are the descendants of horses used by the first settlers during their journeys. It is believed that the Spanish brought some horses from the Old World to help them develop new territories. Indeed, those horses were simply indispensable for people carrying their belongings and having only a slight idea of what awaits them on their way to their dreams in the unexplored areas of America.

Sometimes the ancestors of the Paint Horse joined the herds of wild horses roaming freely on the wide expanses. Native Americans could not overlook their strength, endurance, and beauty. Naturally "Painted," they amazed one with the diversity of colors. Their coat color was also a good masking means. When captured and broken in, Painted Horses helped people herd cattle and drive them for miles. Native Americans treated the horses with much respect. Some of them believed the breed had a magic force.

Bit by bit, physical qualities of the Painted Horse were improved. Stress was made on their athletic build, great energy sources, and a calm personality. What was left unchanged was their intricate color pattern. The Paint horse of today is known for its devotion to the owner, great working qualities, and beauty. It allows it to be used as an ideal companion for adults and children, a show competitor, and a reliable assistant in work of almost all sorts.

Paint Horses - Appearance

Photo source:
Esperanza Ranch

Needless to say, the breed is easily recognized thanks to its color pattern. The variety of colors is hard to enumerate. It is always a combination of colors. White is combined with black, tan, red, and other colors. Whatever the color, you will never see two identical horses.

Nowadays, breeders distinguish a few strains of the Paint horse. Tobiano horses have markings on the head similar to those of a solid-colored horse. Their legs are usually white in color. The tail is often a combination of two colors. The spots can be of oval, rounded, or regular shape.

Overo horses have either dark or white color as predominant. Yet, white markings should not cross the area between the withers and the tail. The legs are usually dark. Note that dark on just one leg along with other characteristics can also be a distinguishable feature of this type.

Not all horses suit the description above. Thus, horses that have the features of both the Tobiano and the Overo are called Tovero. This type often has dark pigmentation around the mouth and the ears. The spots of irregular size are found on the chest, flanks, and the base of the tail. Since genetics of Paint horses is not completely clear, they remain one of the most intriguing breeds.