Posts Tagged ‘paint horses’

Broken colored horses are associated in the popular imagination with the old American west. In particular, they are associated with Native Americans, with whom they were a popular choice, as the pattern of broken colors made the horses hard to see, either during a hunt or during war.

Broken colored horses – also known as pintos – continue to be popular today, both in the American west and around the world. However, even though “pinto” is the Spanish word for “paint”, pinto horses are not quite the same thing as paint horses.

To be registered with the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), a horse must not only have the classic broken-colored coat, it must also have either the sire or the dam registered as an American Paint Horse and have Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred blood somewhere in its background, Quarter Horse for preference.

Thus, while all paint horses are pintos, not every pinto is a paint horse – for example, a chestnut-and-white Shetland pony, while it certainly fits the description of a pinto, is not a paint horse. The same is also true, for obvious reasons, for parti-colored donkeys and mules.

Appaloosa horses, while they were also developed by Native American tribes for a similar purpose, are not classified as pintos, even though an Appaloosa can do much of the work that a paint can. The Appaloosa spots and “blanket pattern” are unique to that breed alone. The same applies to other spotted breeds.

Those not familiar with the term “paint horse” or “pinto” may be uncertain as to what the terms actually mean and what all the fuss is about. In general, paint horses are bi-colored horses, having a coat that is a mixture of white patches and patches of another colour. This should not be confused with the color known as roan, where individual white hairs are interspersed with either chestnut (red roan) or black/grey (blue roan).

A horse with black and white patches is often referred to as a “piebald” and a horse with patches of white and another color is known as a “skewbald.” The most common patch colors in skewbalds are brown and chestnut, but patches of palomino (gold) and buckskin are also possible.

Among paint horses, further distinctions are made, tobiano and overo being the main ones. A horse classified has a tobiano is predominantly dark on the belly and neck with the white markings being smaller, while an overo is the reverse. Paint horses are often bred for the beauty of their markings.

Why choose a paint horse? As they have Quarter Horse ancestry, paint horses can take on a number of working roles with ease. They make excellent mounts for stock work, combining beauty with practicality, and perform well on the rodeo circuit in cutting competitions and barrel racing.

Paint horses also make good trail horses or general hacks. They also do well in the show ring, their distinctive coats making them particularly eye-catching. And, of course, many are kept as companion animals by those who admire the beauty and history of the breed.

For more information on horses, try visiting http://www.interestinghorses.com – a website that specializes in providing horse related tips, advice and resources including information on the paint horse.

Author: Samantha Davis
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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You are getting ready to ride your horse, go on a trail ride, take them to a show, or it has been raining. You discover your horse has been “rolling in the mud.” If it hasn’t happened to you yet, sooner or later you’ll get a surprise at the worst time. I have seven beautiful Paint Horses or, most of the time they are beautiful. When they roll in mud, it is not a very pretty sight to see and if neglected for an extended period of time, it will have undesirable effects on your horse’s mane, coat and skin. I live in Texas, in an area where the soil is a black-clay so when it rains, the soil becomes deep, sticky and very muddy.

Once my horses roll, because they are wet, they turn black instead of their natural color which is mostly white. This is what I do to keep them groomed, not only for their skin condition, but to look really good. People often ask me “how do you keep those horses so clean.” The answer is simple… I bath them regularly. Now it is time, not only groom your horse, but to give them a bath first.Simply brushing the horse only removes some of the dirt and the remaining dirt and dust is unhealthy to their coat and skin and coat. Your horse should always have a healthy diet for that natural shine to their coat. If you groom and/or bath your horse and they still have a dull coat, you should make sure they are getting a healthy and proper diet.

You will need grooming products. There are lots of them out there. I find the sources on-line are cheaper, even with shipping and offer discounts. You don’t have to get the most expensive brands to groom your horse either. You will need the following:

1. Shampoo – Suave(TM) — Inexpensive (buy at local grocery store) or, use Vetrolin Bath(TM) as it is not that expensive and a little goes a long way — It contains PABA Sunscreen (buy on-line).

2. Conditioner – Suave(TM) — Buy this at your local grocery store… very inexpensive or use Vetrolin Conditioner(TM) as it is not that expensive and a little goes a long way. It contains PABA Sunscreen (buy on-line).

3. A good detangler – Survivor Detangler(TM) by Eqyss — Expensive but well worth it. Great for the Mane and Tail and it smells wonderful (buy on-line).

4. Sheen (optional) – If you really want your horse to have a brilliant shine, you can use a “ready to use” spray such as Vetrolin Sheen(TM) (buy on-line).

You want your equipment to last so it’s best to spend a little extra in this area. If it’s really cheap, there is usually a reason.Here are some suggestions:

1. A comb for your horses mane and tail (buy on-line)

2. A regular curry brush (buy on-line).

3. A good rubber curry comb. Using the rubber curry comb to lather your horse will give them a great message. (buy on-line).

4. A good brush for when the horse is dry – Pick one that will feel good to your horse (buy on-line).

5. Electric clippers – I use all Oster(TM) products because they last forever (buy locally or on-line) Used to clip bridal paths, chin hair, ears but it’s not natural to cut a horses mane or tail. These are best combed out with brush or detangler.

Now that I have everything I need, I put all my stuff in a horse bucket that I can carry around (except the clippers).

Location – Pick a spot where you can tie your horse and have a water hydrant and hose long enough to avoid getting their legs tangled-up in the hose. Try to avoid bathing in area that will become muddy during your horses bath. It’s easiest to use a variable sprayer for your hose, of the garden variety.

1.Wet the entire horse down, starting in the rear and working your way forward and around the other side. When you wet their heads and, avoid spraying them directly in the face. Using the “mist” selection on the sprayer works really well from about 18″ away from the face and spray upwards and allow the mist to settle gently on their faces. This will minimize your horse’s resistance to getting their faces sprayed.

2. Once your horse is wet, you can begin to apply the shampoo using the rubber curry brush, creating a good lather, and giving them a nice massage. Most horses really enjoy this part once they get used to being wet. Wait until the very end to apply any shampoo to the facial area in case your horse gets soap in their eyes. You don’t want to try bathing them with their eyes full of soap. When applying to the face, use a sponge, a mildly soapy rag, or even your hands.

3. Rinse well and message, with rubber curry, to get out any remaining shampoo and spot clean any dirty areas still visible

4. Apply the conditioner and leave it on for a few minutes. Again, wait to apply to your horse’s face last, with your sponge, instead of the hose.

5. Rinse your horse thoroughly with the “shower” setting on your sprayer but, use the “mist” setting to rinse your horses head.

6. Use a squidgy to get most of the water off by starting at the upper neck and working your way down to the hooves.

7. Spray the horse with Vetrolin Sheen(TM). Do not spray the sheen to the horses back if you plan to ride the horse because it is too slippery and will cause your saddle to slip.

8. Apply the de-tangler to the mane and tail with your hands. Comb out the mane and tail, starting at the bottom and work your way toward the roots.

9. Tie your horse in a dry spot until they are totally dry. The last thing you want is to have your horse roll while wet and ruin your efforts.

When it rains, I try to wash one horse a day until they are all clean and I wait until after the weather dries out for a day or two before I begin. Once they are clean, brushing them every day or two will keep them quite clean. Of course you don’t want to over bathe your horse as this will dry out their skin by removing all the natural oils necessary for a healthy coat. Bathing them every other month is sufficient unless “Mother Nature” gets involved.

Sherry Marshburn has been working with horses for over 20 years. She now runs a small ranch, called Paints of Texas Ranch with APHA paints outside of Austin, Texas. If you would like to see the products in this article or tips on horses, such as buying, selling, training, or general care, please go to http://www.paintsoftexas.com or e-mail sherry@paintsoftexas.com

Author: Sherry Marshburn
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Paint horses did not get their name because their riders and owners tend to be creative types who stabled them in their private studio. Paints did not get their name because they possess some unique creative gift of their own.

Instead, paint horses got their name for a far more obvious reason: in every case, whether their pattern falls into the Overo, Tobiano or Tovero category, the horse is marked by some percentage of white hair over un-pigmented skin in addition to another color: brown, tan, black or gray. The Paints’ markings don’t have any set location or size, they can appear anywhere on the horse’s body.

So, if you have been looking at horses for sale and see Paint horses along with terms like Overo, Tobiano and Tovero, chances are good that you’re going to have some curiosity about what they describe.

The Overo pattern describes Paint horses on which the white markings do not happen between the horse’s withers and tail. Another characteristic of this pattern is that at least one, if not all, of the horse’s legs will be brown, tan, black or gray in color. While the markings on the horse’s face occur in standard patterns, the majority of its markings are irregular with the white often scattered.

On a Paint horse with a Tobiano pattern, on the other hand, the white spots are regular. The “painted spots” are often oval or round and found on the neck and chest. All four of the horse’s legs are white – at least from the hocks and knees down – and at least one of the horse’s flanks is dark. The tail will also be two colors – both dark and white.

Unlike the Overo and Tobiano patterns, Paint horses with the Tovero pattern have one or both blue eyes. Tovero Paint horses tend to be defined more by the location of their dark marking than where they have splashes of white. These Paints have dark pigmentation around their ears and around the mouth, on their flanks. Chest spots may also show on the horse’s neck, and there may be dark spots at the base of the horse’s tail as well.

When you’re looking at horses for sale and see Paints, in addition to the terms that describe their marking pattern, you’re also likely to see many of the following adjectives: hard working, dependable, athletic, intelligent, and friendly.

Paints earned their reputation as a hard working breed in the American West, ridden by Native Americans, cowboys, and the ordinary folks who needed transportation from the farm. For those who were looking for a horse that responded quickly, could maneuver easily, could run with great speeds to keep order on a ranch, Paint horses were a great solution. They kept a distinct, interesting look that made them stand out, and, like a Quarter Horse, they tend to have strong and muscular back legs, a low center of gravity and a good weight distribution, but not tall.

These same characteristics make Paint horses great for those who are looking for a horse that will get them around the ranch and from one area to another, for those who enjoy riding on a trail, as well as those who just like going out and taking a leisurely ride and enjoy a great afternoon on horseback. Similarly, those who are looking for a friendly, intelligent horse that can be well loved by the entire family – kids included – will find these attractive characteristics in a Paint.

As popular as Paint horses are with those who have owned and ridden them, there was not a registry for the breed until the 1960s. Previously, Paint horses – regardless of the pattern that they displayed – were widely unregistered as the American Quarter Horse Association, which included horses with the same body structure did not accept horses with the Paint markings.

Now, however, there are a number of requirements that are used to register and track the lineage of Paint horses. Either the sire or the dam must be registered with the American Paint Horse Association, and, if the other is not registered with the American Paint Horse Association, he or she must be registered with either the American Quarter Horse Association or the Jockey Club. Despite those standards, new registrations each year show that Paint horses are among the fastest growing and most popular horse breeds in the United States.

Philipe Wiskell is a writer for HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of paint horses for sale, used trailers, land for sale.

Author: Philip Wiskell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Ask someone what they see when they picture horses in Florida and you’re likely to hear about an imagines scene that places the rider and horse on a Gulf Coast beach with the sun setting in the background over crisp blue water. While that is, admittedly, an idyllic scene that is fairly common, horses in Florida are also likely to be scene carrying their riders along state and national park trails, at racetracks and in both dressage and jumping rings.

Jumping and hunting horses are so common in Florida that many horses for sale throughout the state are described as jumpers and hunters. Because great hunters are less easy to come by than jumpers, listings for these horses in Florida and elsewhere tend to carry a higher price tag, but that doesn’t mean that everyone who makes an investment in horses in Florida is going to buy a jumper – it’s often a matter of preference, not just availability.

Beginners and seasoned riders alike have a variety of preferences when it comes to the horses that they buy and ride. To some extent, the preference that they have is going to be influenced by the style of riding that they are going to do. Those who are looking for a great all-around horse will be more likely to look at Paint horses or an American Quarter Horse.

Not only are Paints and American Quarter Horses both capable workers that are still common on farms in Florida, but they are also great horses for families, who want to be sure that their kids are brought up around horses – who have an even temperament and responsive disposition. American Quarter Horses are great for Florida rides in areas like Amelia Island State Park in the Northeast corner of the state where riders can watch marine life from the coastal shore. Just as the sea cow, or manatee, can be seen in great numbers near Crystal River, Florida, one could also rent horses for a day trip near the same location, north of Tampa Bay and two hours west of Orlando.

Of course, those who crave speed while on horses are likely to turn to Arabian horses and Thoroughbred horses. Likewise, when looking for horses for sale that can be groomed for the race track, plenty choose Thoroughbreds from stables around Florida.

As is the case in most places, when buying horses in Florida, the best guidance to choosing a horse is going to be what purpose the buyer has in mind. Those who wish to build a stable of racing horses will be looking at different animals than those who are casual riders. Those who are looking for a horse that will more or less be a family pet will be looking for different horses than those who need horses in Florida that will assist them with working their farms.

The motivation for buying a horse will, therefore, impact the breed of horse that is chosen. Once that decision is made, the next important considerations will be in regards to the health of the horse. A healthy horse will have the build that is best associated with the breed – for example, an American Quarter Horse will have well-muscled, strong hind quarters that enable it to reach sprinting speed quickly, thanks to the concentration of power. Likewise, its hooves, back, teeth and eyes will be healthy, and the horse will have good hearing and eyesight.

While a visual check of horses will help you to identify major health issues such as leg problems – evidenced by scarring or bumps and bulges in the horse’s legs – having a veterinarian perform a more thorough examination is always a good idea. Whether you are looking for racing horses in Florida or a work horse, you want to be able to be sure that you are going to have an animal that will be in good health when you bring it to the stable.

Whether you are able to stable your horse at home or you rent a stall from someone who has a stable and pasture, know that owning horses in Florida will take some effort on your part and can be pretty expensive, depending on where in the state you reside. Still, many find that once they have had a horse, worked with it and experienced the thrill of riding, they cannot simply go back and not have horses as a part of their lives. Perhaps this is why horses remain an integral part of the American psyche, a century after the introduction of the “horseless carriage”.

Author: Philip Wiskell
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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