The Pinto horse is defined by color rather than
genetic ancestry. Pintos have a dark background coloring and upon this color random patches of white.
The Pinto was traditionally favored by American
Indians as a war horse since its coloring provided
natural camouflage.
Competition
Jumping
Rodeo
Dressage
Racing
Showing
Driving
Ranch
Trail Riding
Endurance
Riding
From Brian Marvin, Moreno Valley, CA Percy and her Mama - 3 days old
Origin
Since Pintos come from many different breeds,
their origin is variable. It is claimed that
when Cortes came to America in the 1500's, he
brought with him two Overo type horses. The
term Pinto is derived from the Spanish word
for painted: Pintado. Used as a warhorse by
American Indians since the coloring provided camouflage.
Characteristics
The Pinto horse is a color breed in contrast to most other breeds which are
defined by their genetic ancestry. In America, the Pinto is regarded as a
proper breed. The Pinto does not have consistent conformation since it is bred
for color. Pintos may be from a variety of breeds, ranging from Thoroughbred to
Miniatures. There are four acknowledged types of conformation however: the
Saddle type, Stock type, Hunter type and Racing type.
See Also: Picture
Gallery
Height
12 - 14 hands. Pintos standing between 12 and 14 hands are registered as ponies;
those between 14.1 and 16 hands are registered as horses.
Colors
Pintos have a dark background coloring and
upon this color random patches of white. The
Pinto coloration may occur in any breed or
specific conformation. However, the Pinto
Horse Association of America does not accept
horses with Appaloosa or Draft breeding or
characteristics. There are two color patterns
acceptable for registration, "Overo"
and "Tobiano". Overo is a type created by the
recessive color gene and the solid (darker)
color predominates Tobiano is a type created by the
dominant color gene and white is the more
predominant color with markings of colors
other than white.
See Also: Picture
Gallery
The
Horse that Lags Behind
It is important to teach the horse how you
expect it to act by taking your time and
building a foundation one lesson at a time. More...