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American Paint Horse Association Offers Free Colors and Patterns Posters
APHA Press Release

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The colors of the American Paint Horse - One poster, titled, “The colors of the American Paint Horse,” vividly illustrates the full spectrum of colors found in the breed. Included in the poster are photographs of actual horses with corresponding information detailing colors shown. The poster is divided into the two basic Paint Horse color families—red and black.

The red family consists of chestnut, sorrel, red dun, palomino and cremello. The black family includes black, brown, bay, buckskin, dun, grullo and perlino. Grey can fall into either of these color families. With roan variations to these colors, a total of 16 different horses are pictured on the poster.

The patterns of the American Paint Horse - The other poster, titled “The patterns of the American Paint Horse,” shows examples of 10 horses that exhibit Tobiano, Overo and Tovero coat patterns. A detailed description is given with each horse pictured. To reflect the many variations in each of these categories, APHA has included two examples of the Tobiano, two of the Tovero, and two each of Frame Overo, Splashed White Overo and Sabino Overo patterns. “Ink Spots” and “Coronet Spots” are also pictured and defined. The poster also includes a handy bullet-point list of characteristics that distinguish a Paint Horse’s particular coat pattern.

A growing canvas for Paints - APHA is publishing these new colorful posters as part of its continuing educational outreach program for association members and non-members alike, who would like to refine their knowledge about American Paint Horses.

Based on APHA’s recent membership figures, interest in the breed is growing at a rapid rate. For three consecutive months, membership hit new record levels, topping out at more than 107,000 people active in the organization. More than 784,000 horses in 48 nations have been registered by APHA since it began in 1962, with nearly two-thirds of those registrations coming in the past 10 years alone. Presently, APHA is registering new horses at a rate of about 50,000 each year.

“As we continue to grow, it is becoming increasingly important that we educate people about this outstanding breed,” said APHA Executive Secretary Jim Kelley. Questions about Paint Horse colors and coat patterns are among the most frequent we receive. In the interest of answering those questions, we created these two posters.

“It is our hope that when people begin to explore the fascinating world of Paint Horses, they will join ranks with other Paint Horse enthusiasts who comprise our membership.”

How to get the free posters - To receive your free colors and patterns posters, please contact APHA at (817) 834-2742, ext. 261 or 271. Or you may send an e-mail to kcarter@apha.com. Simply request the “Colors and Patterns” posters. Include your name and full address on both voice and e-mail messages.

More information about APHA and Paints Visit APHA’s Web site at apha.com for a wealth of free materials available from the association. On the site, you will find downloadable guidebooks covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Breeding
• Coat Color Genetics
• Registration
• Programs and Competition
• A Guide to Recreation Riding

You may call (817) 834-2742, extension 788, with any other questions you have about American Paint Horses and APHA.