The American Paint Horse is a breed of horse that combines both the characteristics of a western stock horse with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark coat colors. It is now one of the fastest-growing breeds in the United States. The paint horse is a descendant from the Spanish horses that were exported to the Americas in the 16th century and it became part of the herds of wild horses that roamed the Western deserts and plains.

They are found around the world and are distinguished by their coloring-which includes spots, stripes, barred legs or splashes of color on a dark or light background-something similar to the camouflage used by soldiers. Their markings can be of any shape or size and are located virtually anywhere on their body. There are three specific coat patterns associated with them:

Overo-The white usually does not cross the back of the horse; at least one and often all four legs are dark; the white is irregular, and is rather scattered or splashy; head markings are distinctive, often bald, apron or bonnet-faced. They may be either primarily dark or white.

Tobiano-The dark color usually covers one or both flanks; usually all four legs are white, at least below the knees; the spots are regular and distinct as ovals or round patterns that extend down over the neck and chest; head markings are like those of a solid-colored horse-solid, or with a blaze, strip, star or snip. They can be either primarily dark or white.

Tovero-There is dark pigmentation around the ears, which may expand to cover the forehead and/or eyes; one or both eyes are blue; there is dark pigmentation around the mouth that may extend up the side of the face; chest spots vary in size and may also extend up the neck; flank spots range in size and are often accompanied by smaller spots; there are spots of various sizes at the base of the tail.

The paint horse was cherished by cowboys for work with buffalo and livestock. Native Americans revered it because they believed it possessed magical powers. Both the cowboys and Native Americans would add color and decorations to themselves and to their horses to make stand out and be different from others. This horse is loved by many and is a dependable, hard worker that is known for its easy, comfortable paces that could be maintained over very long distances-this was, of course, very important to the people in the Old West that rode them.

Over the years, the athletic ability of these animals has been improved by breeding conditions. The unusual coat patters and coloring are still the same and they are intelligent and wonderful animals to ride. They are excellent for the afternoon jaunt, working on a ranch, in a rodeo, riding a trail, or just as a friendly horse for the children to love and enjoy.