History

The history of the paint horse is a long and interesting one. They combine the characteristics found in the western stock horse with the spotting pattern found in the pinto. You may already know that the paint horse is steadily growing in popularity but you may not know that they were actually introduced to America in 1519 by Spanish explorers that came to the new world to live.

Once in America this breed soon multiplied and joined the many herds of wild horses that were free to roam the countryside. The Native Indians used this breed as riding horses and they believed that they possessed some sort of magical powers. They were also very famous with the cowboys and the framer because they were such hard working dependable horses. They were an excellent choice for anyone that traveled any distances because they could maintain a comfortable and steady pace for a long period of time, which was vital in the early days.

As a way to preserve this amazing and special breed of horse, a group of enthusiasts formed the American Paint Stock Horse Association in the 1960's. They are the ones that gave this breed the name "paint horse" and they are dedicated to protecting them for future generations. Through the years the special breeding conditions have improved the athletic abilities associated with the paint horse but their wonderful nature is still the same. They are the perfect breed for children to ride because they are so friendly and gentle and they are highly intelligent. Training a paint horse is a privilege and enjoyed by all trainers.

Today, the paint horse can be found all across the globe and they are well-known for their amazing color and markings. These markings appear as splashes of different color on either a light or dark coat. Their markings also include stripes, spots and barred legs. These markings have no particular size or shape and they can be found anywhere. However, there are three types of coat patterns called the tobiano, overo and the tovero.

Many owners enjoy the paint horse because they are such a pleasure to ride and work with. Due to their gentle and friendly nature, they are an excellent choice for any social event that involves riding horses such as trail rides or children's summer camps. They can also be found in rodeos, horse racing and other special events.