Paint Horse and Pinto: What's the difference?

What Is a Pinto Horse?

Pinto horses are defined by their coat pattern and color. Not the breed. The word "pinto" is derived from the Spanish pintado which means "painted." The coat pattern of a Pinto can be found in any breed, including Arabians, Gaited Breeds or Draft Horses.

Pinto Coat Patterns

1. Tobiano The most common Pinto pattern.

   • White cross-back between the withers & tail

   • Dark coloration on the flanks

   • Round white patches

   • Dark legs with white markings

2. Overo Includes three subtypes

   • Frame Overo : White patches are visible on the side but do not cross the back.

   • Splashed white: The horse looks like it was painted in white, with often blue eyes.

   • Sabino : White markings are high on the legs and sometimes face.

3. Tovero A mixture of Tobiano, Overo, and other traits. Often with dark pigmentation on the lips and ears (called "war bonnet markings").

Pintos can be registered with the Pinto Horse Association of America. This association accepts any horse as long as it meets color requirements.

What Is a Paint Horse?

A Paint Horse has strict bloodline standards set by the American Paint Horse Association. All Paints (because they have the same coat pattern) are Pintos, but not all Pintos.

Paint Horse Requirements

• You must have American Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, or Paint Horses as parents.

• Must display Tobiano or Overo coat patterns.

• They can be registered as "Solid Paint Breds" even if the color is solid, if they meet the bloodline criteria.

Why Distinction is Important

• Color vs. Bloodline A Pinto horse is a horse with a spotted or striped coat. Paint horses are those with Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred or Paint lineage.

• Performance Characteristics: Paints have the athleticism and speed of Quarter Horses. This makes them excel in Western disciplines such as reining, cutting and barrel racing.

Paint Horse vs Pinto: Key Differences