American Paint Horses have a long and storied past. It is believed they descended from horses first brought to the New World in the early 1500s by Spanish conquistadors. Early Paints then joined the wild herds of Western America. They soon captured the fancy of American Indians, who revered the Paint's peculiar patterns and strong conformation. Eventually, Paints were used to forge the settlements and cattle ranches of the West. Though their colorful coat pattern is the breed's identity, modern Paints have strict bloodline requirements and a distinctive stock-type conformation. Registry with the American Paint Horse Registry requires a Paint's sire and dam be registered with either the APHA, the American Quarter Horse Registry, or the Thoroughbred Registry. In addition, at least one of their parents must be registered with the APHA. Today, Paints are consistently ranked as one of the most popular horses in the world, thanks to a combination of conformation, beauty, willing disposition, and intelligence.
Size:
The average Paint stands 14.2 to 16 hands (58" to 64") high. However, there are no height requirements for registration with the APHA.
Color & Markings:
American Paint Horses are, in part, defined by their colorful coat patterns. Their white coats are combined with various markings of black, bay, brown, chestnut/sorrel, classic dun, red dun, grullo, dunskin, dunalino, perlino dun, palomino, buckskin, gray, blue roan, bay roan, red roan, perlino, or cremello & many variations & combinations of these colors (way to many to list). These markings can be found anywhere on the body, in any size or shape. However, Paint Horse color combinations and patterns fall into five basic patterns - tobiano, overo, tovero, splashed white or sabino. Solid "breeding stock" paints will be judged on a case by case basic & only solid offspring of 2 registered paints are guaranteed approval.
Face & Leg Marking Examples
Physical Appearance:
Paint Horses are built for versatility and maneuverability. As such, they are well-balanced and muscular with a broad chest, powerful hindquarters, and a low center of gravity. However, Paints also display a refined sense of beauty about the head and neck. While the colorful coat pattern is essential to the identity of the breed, American Paint Horses have strict bloodline requirements and a distinctive stock-horse body type. To be eligible for registry, a Paint's sire and dam must be registered with the American Paint Horse Registry (Here) , the American Quarter Horse Registry (Echo Valley), or the Thoroughbred Registry (N/A). At least one parent must be a registered American Paint Horse. Horses should conform to either Quarter Horse Standards or Thoroughbred Standards or should have characteristics of both breeds. All Quarter Horse body types will be accepted not just Stock Types.
Temperament:
In addition to striking beauty and athleticism, Paints are intelligent, calm, and willing. Because of this, most of are easily trained, handled, and kept. They are equally composed under saddle, in the competition ring, and on the riding trail, which makes them an ideal horse for most riders.
Unique Characteristics:
American Paint Horses are a unique combination of beauty, strength, and grace. When combined with their intelligence and willingness to please, it is easy to see why Paints are so popular the world over. Their versatility suits them for dressage, driving, jumping, ranch work, showing, and English, western, or trail riding. Add the unique and colorful coat combination of each horse into the mix and the result is a truly individual horse poised to please any enthusiast.