American Paint Horse

American Paint Horse
American Paint Horse at show
Other namesAmerican Paint Horse
Country of originUnited States
Traits
Distinguishing featuresBroad pinto spotting patterns of white and dark hair
Breed standards

The American Paint Horse is a breed of horse that combines both the conformational characteristics of a western stock horse with a pinto spotting pattern of white and dark coat colors. Developed from a base of spotted horses with Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred bloodlines, the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) breed registry is now one of the largest in North America. The registry allows some non-spotted animals to be registered as "Solid Paint Bred" and considers the American Paint Horse to be a horse breed with distinct characteristics, not merely a color breed.