Pinto horses are known as a color breed. They’re not defined by their genetic ancestry. Most are easy to identify as they have a dark coat with random lighter patches over their body. Uniquely, they can be any size and type of horse. The Pinto Horse Association of America is a great resource for this color breed.
Facts About Pinto Horses
- European settlers brought this breed to America. Most of the horses came from Spain. Some escaped and joined the wild herds from the other settlers.
- They’re usually associated with North American tribal life. In fact, pintos are known as a war horse. Many of the native tribes fought the United States with them. Their coat was considered a kind of natural camouflage.
- When registering a pinto horse, they must fall into a designated type. Some of these include stock (Quarter and Paint), hunter (Thoroughbred), pleasure (Arabian and Morgan), saddle (Hackney and Tennessee Walking Horse), gypsy (Gypsy Vanner), among others.
- The two most common color patterns for these horses are tobiano and overo.
- The association was formed in 1956 with more than 124,000 horses registered today.
Pintos come in all different sizes, types, and temperaments. How unique is this color breed?!?
