Both Pintos and Paints are distinctively American breeds of horse. Founded from stock brought to the continent by Spanish conquistadors, the horse’s splotchy color pattern was highly prized by Native Americans for the animal’s ability to provide camouflage during battle. Comanches in particular loved the bright color patterns.

Although patterned horses are recorded throughout history and there is ample evidence that the Arabian and Barb possessed the colored coat, careful breeding for size and temperament by the Native Americans led to the Paint horse we have today.


Two skewbalds and a piebald enjoying their pasture.
Photo © Mary K. Baird

Many people, and even some publications, use the words Pinto and Paint to refer to the same breed of horse. However, a Paint horse, as registered by the American Paint Horse Association ("APHA"), can only refer to a horse with documented bloodlines from Paint, Quarterhorse or Thoroughbred parents. Therefore, the Paint horse designation, although one of color pattern, also aims to preserve the Stock type of horse.

The Pinto, on the other hand, is a color breed and almost any pony, miniature or light breed of horse exhibiting the color standard will be accepted for registration with the Pinto Horse Association of America ("PtHA"). The exceptions are out-crossings with Appaloosas, draft horses and mules or horses showing any of those breeds’ traits. Pintos can be registered as Stock, Pleasure, Hunter or Saddle body type, and a Pinto registered in these categories will have corresponding body traits.

Exceedingly well-adapted to all forms of sport, Pintos and Paints make gentle, trainable, and loyal companions highly suitable for beginners and children. In addition to their astounding beauty, they are intelligent and possess the added fun that no two are ever alike!

Color Patterns: There are two patterns:

Tobiano is a white horse with distinct patches of color. There is often white along the top line and legs. The color splotches will stand out in this type of pattern, appearing to be encircled by white.

Overo means a predominantly colored horse with jagged splashes of white. White faces are common in this pattern, however, the top line, legs, tail and mane are usually dark.

Other terms common to Pintos and Paints are skewbald which is a horse with light color (usually brown) and white, or piebald which is a black and white horse.

Both Pintos and Paints can be fairly well-colored. All that is required to register with the PtHA is four square inches of continuous white (3 for ponies and 2 for minis), plus some bloodline of Pinto in its background. The APHA will also register solids as long as they have documented Paint bloodline.

My particular preference is a Tobiano Arabian Pinto with nice, well-defined patches of brown or black. However, that is the beauty of these breeds. With Pintos and Paints, you truly have the best of all worlds. Color, type, temperament, and intelligence, all rolled into one.