Horse Breeds: Peruvian Paso, Pindos Pony, Pinia, Pintabian, Pinto

*PERUVIAN PASO*

Before the 17th century most of the horses in the world had natural gaits, and horses that trotted were exceptional. The majority of travel was done upon a horses back, and there were very little people who knew much about riding a horse, so it was extremely important for a horse to offer a smooth ride.

After the 17th century, there was a greater use for trotting horses. Roads were built and people began traveling in carriages drawn by horses- and trotting horses were much more suitable to the pulling of the carriages. Trotting horse breeding was inreased. At the same time, cattle was raised on large areas of land, and trotting horses were necessary for working the cattle. In addition, horse racing began gaining popularity and that of course, required the faster trotting horses over the gaited horses.

Peruvian Paso horses were bred with natural gaits. They came from bloodstock that included Peru horses, Spanish horses and blending with Barb, Friesian, Andalusian and the Spanish Jennet. Over many centuries, no other horses have been introduced into the Peruvian Paso breed, which means they remain the only naturally gaited breed of horse in the world that gaurantees the offspring will have the same, natural gait. The gait is the trademark of the Peruvian Paso.

Horses with natural gaits are becoming popular again, thanks to people wanting to enjoy pleasure riding of horses. They are very showy horses because of their energy and pride- they hold their heads high and appear to always be in a parade! Peruvian horses are the only horses with a termino movement- which is the graceful and flowing movement similar to a swimmer's arms, where the horses forelegs are rolled outwards as the horse moves forward.

Peruvian Paso horses can move slowly or quickly, but regardless of the speed, their movements are flashy and natural. Peruvian horses are shown with their natural hoofs, and are rarely shown with shoes.

The colors of Peruvians include all th solid colors, and some greys and roans. They are directly linked to the Barb horse, which means some of the Peruvians will result with striking colors and shades. Modern Peruvians stand about 14 or 15 hands and weight between 900 and 1100 pounds. They are similar in size to Morgans and Arabians.

*PINDOS PONY*

Sometimes referred to as Pindhos or Pindus, the Pindos pony is a Greek Pony variety found in the mountains of Greece. It is rare, but used for light riding and as a draft pony.

*PINIA*

Found in western Peloponnese in Greece, the Pinia breed is a greek Pony variety with Nonius, Anglo-Arab andAnglo-Norman breeding. The breed colors include blue roan, chestnut, gray, or bay. The herdbook for Pinia horses was established in the year 1995. The breed is rare.

*PINTABIAN*

The Pintabian has 99% Arabian blood and tobiano markings. Their patterns are non-symmetrical and they have large, irregular spots on their bodies. They cross the topline between tehir ears and tails, but are placed randomly over the horse. Most of the Pintabian horses have white markings on their heads, sometimes with a star, strip, or blaze. Most commonly all four of the Pintabian legs are white.

Ideally, Pintabian horses are about 50% white and 50% colored, but they can vary. In order to produce a spotted horse of this type, at least one of the parents must be tobiano. Pintabian horses were developed by the continous breeding of purebred Arabians with tobianos.

Pintabians have arched necks, short backs and carry their tails high. They are between 14 and 15.2 hands and weight between 900 and 1100 pounds.

*PINTO*

Horses that are part of the "Pinto" breed class are there because of their colors; as opposed to most other breeds that are classified by their genetic ancestries. Pintos are dark colored with random patches of white over their bodies. Pinto colors can be found in any breed, but the Pinto Horse Association will not allow horses with Appaloosa, mule breeding or Draft characteristics to be registered. It has been said that the American Indians of the west favored the Pinto breed as their war horses because the coloring provided a natural camouflage.

Pinto Description

There is no specific conformation for Pinto's because they are bred only for color. If the darker color on the horse is black, then the horse will be described as Piebald and when the darker color is anything other than black, those horses are classified as Skewbald. Pintos are any number of breeds, from Miniatures to Thoroughbreds.

While there are no consistent conformations, there are four types that are recognized among the Pinto family of horses. They include: Saddle type, Hunter type, Stock type and Racing type. The types are determined by the horses background and conformation. Stock Pinto's are primarily Quarter and Paint breeding while Hunter Pinto's are mostly Thoroughbred breeding. Saddle Pinto's are American Saddlebred, Missouri Foxtrotter or Tennessee Walking breeding and the Racing Pinto's are Arabian or Morgan.

Difference Between Paint & Pinto

To many people, it's hard to see the difference between horses that are registered Pinto and horses that are registered Paints. The distinction between them is fairly simple, though. To be registered as a Paint horse, the horse must be documented as a Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred or Pain. Eligibility for the two registriess actually has very little to do with the color or pattern that exists on the horse, it has to do with their bloodlines.

Origin of the Pinto Breed

Pinto horses were brought into North America by the European explorers, mostly coming from Spain.

Pinto Patterns

There are 2 main patterns that are widely recognized as Pinto patterns:

Tobiano - horse appears to be white with large spots of color. There is more colored markings than white. In order to have a Tobiana foal, one of the parents must be Tobiano.

Overo - horse appears to be colored with white spots of color, usually found on the side or belly of the horse and spreading to the neck, legs, back and tail.