Paint Horse: Breed Profile

The paint horse is a very popular breed thanks to its flashy coloring genial temperament and versatility. In fact the American Paint Horse Association counts around 100000 members in roughly 40 countries around the world. Paint horses can suit riders and owners of all experience levels. They excel in various equestrian sports as working horses and as solid general riding horses. 
Paint Horse History and Origins
In the 1500s Spanish explorers brought the predecessors of the paint horse breed to North America. These horses likely had Barb Andalusian and Arabian bloodlines and sported distinctive spotted and twotone coloring. In fact many experts believe explorer Hernando Cortes brought a particular sorrelandwhite stallion to North America from which the modern paint breed might be descended.

Many of these horses ended up roaming wild across the continent catching the eyes of Native Americans. They adopted and bred the horses admiring them for their coat patterns strength and friendly personalities. British colonists eventually introduced thoroughbreds to the gene pool resulting in a sturdy working horse that was highly intelligent and steady on the trail. Some of these horses kept their spots while others were solid in color. 
Until 1940 paints shared a gene pool with quarter horses at which time the American Quarter Horse Association formed and excluded horses with too much white meaning all paints from its registry. But the multicolored horses remained popular and eventually the American Paint Quarter Horse Association and the American Stock Horse Association formed. The two joined in 1965 to form todays American Paint Horse Association which keeps the breeds registry. 
Paint Horse Size
The paint horse stands between 14 hands 56 inches and 16 hands 64 inches on average. Those with thoroughbred heritage are typically on the taller side. The average weight ranges from 950 to 1200 pounds a bit heavier than many fullsize horse breeds.
Paint Horse Breeding and Uses
Besides their unique coat patterns paint horses were bred for their friendliness calm demeanor intelligence athleticism and trainability. Due to their strength speed agility and stamina they were traditionally used for transportation and work.
Nowadays paint horses are a very versatile breed with representatives in almost every equine sport. Youll find them barrel racing jumping in the stadium and in crosscountry events working cattle trail riding combined driving and much more. In addition many individual paint horses find success in multiple equine sports or activities. 
Colors and Markings
The paints distinctive coat patterns