The earliest accounts of Paint Horses in the New World date back to the 16th century. They are derived from Spanish horses that were exported to the Americas by the conquistadors. Their subsequent popularity with the American Indians as war horses was testament to their performance and appearance.
Both colour and conformation constitute the criteria of registering a Paint Horse. The coat pattern must resemble pinto colouring (patch/es of white against another colour), while the bloodlines must descend from the Quaterhorse or Thoroughbred breeds.
These bloodline stipulations ensure that Paint Horse will have a stock-type conformation, as opposed to a Pinto Horse that may be derived from any breed. The development of the Paint Horse represents a dedicated effort to preserve and enhance both colour and conformation in pinto horses. However, some solid-coloured offspring can qualify for registry as long as they fulfil certain conditions.
Paint Horses are extremely versatile and may be seen in a number of equestrian activities. Disciplines include ranch work, rodeo, trail riding, racing, showing, jumping, dressage, driving and pleasure riding.
In terms of coat colour, Paint Horses have a distinct combination of white with other colours, including black, bay, brown, chestnut, buckskin, bay, roan and others. Typically, they stand around 16 hands high with a stocktype conformation.
In 1973, the Paint Horse Association of Australia was established. Its aim is to ‘collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of Paint Horses.' As well as organizing annual Paint Horse events and fundraising activities, the association also functions as a registry and information service. Highlight events include the National Show at Dubbo and the Paint-O-Rama at Grafton.
