Pinto Horse
Average Size: Horses: 15-16 hh (60-64 in), Ponies: up to 15 hh (60 in)
Breed: Pinto Horse

A registered Pinto Horse can be any breed as long as it possesses the proper patterning. It is a colored breed. This means that entry into the Pinto Horse Association is based on color pattern and not conformation or bloodlines. There are four patterns; tobiano, overo, sabino, and tovero. Tobiano patterning is the most common and is characterized by white legs, rounded markings, and white over the back between the dock of the tail and the withers. Overo is a spotting pattern that has irregular and sharp markings. These marking are often more dark than white. The overo patterning may be accompanied by blue eyes and a white face. The tovero pattern is a mixture of tobiano and overo patterning. The sabino is a slight spotting with white high on the legs and belly. The offspring of spotted parents is often referred to as a solid.

Horses with spotted coat patterns have often appeared in Ancient Egyptian art, though it is the Conquistadors that brought spotted horses to the Americas. In Europe, during the 17th century, spotted horses were quite the rage. As soon as the fad ended, horses deemed unsellable were shipped off to America. Native Americans were fond of the unusual coloring, and began breeding horses for the specific color patterns that have become the Pinto Horse we know and love today.

Pinto Horses can be found in all manner of equestrian sports. They can be pleasure horses, stock horses, jumpers or hunters. They are found in many breeds of horses such as the American Saddlebred, Arabian, or American Quarter Horse to name just a few. Miniature horses and Shetland ponies can also be found with pinto coloring.

It's important to note that most Paint Horses can be registered as Pinto, but not every Pinto can be a Paint Horse. Registration in the Pain Horse breed is restricted to bloodlines and not color.

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Pinto - Horses for Sale