American Paint Horses were developed from spotted horses with
Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines. This combined both the conformational
characteristics of a western stock horse with a pinto spotting pattern.
Color patterns differentiate the American Paint Horse from other
stock-type breeds. Each horse has a unique combination of white and any one of the
colors of the equine rainbow: black, bay, brown, chestnut, dun, grulla, sorrel,
palomino, gray or roan.
The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) breed registry is
now one of the largest in North America. While American Paint Horse are known for
a colorful coat pattern, the registry has strict bloodline requirements and a distinctive
body type. To be eligible for registry, a Paint must come from stock registered
with the American Paint Horse Association, the American Quarter Horse Association,
or the Jockey Club (Thoroughbreds).
The result is an intelligent stock-type horse that is extraordinarily
versatile, powerful and athletic with unequaled beauty. Paints are stockier and
more powerfully muscled than some other light horse breeds. Though generally short-coupled,
strong-boned, and well-balanced, American Paints also exhibit exceptional refinement
and beauty, especially about the head and neck.
Please see our description of Paint horses
About American Paint Horses
