What Is a Pinto Pony?

"Pinto" refers to a particular multicolor pattern of a pony's coat. Pinto coloration is thought to have been introduced to Europe when ancient Arabian strains bred with European stock. There's also evidence that the Tobiano pattern may have been introduced to Europe by the wild horses of the Russian Steppes during the era of the Roman Empire. Spanish explorers introduced the splashily colored ponies to North America, where their stock bred with wild mustangs. Native Americans then domesticated the wild Pintos, treasuring them for their intelligence and sturdy nature. Native Americans believed that the Pinto ponies possessed magical spiritual powers, which made the ponies brave warriors in battle. Hunting and scouting also improved with Pintos because Native Americans could better blend into their surroundings with ponies that were naturally camouflaged with broken color patterns.

  1. Pinto Coloration

    • The Pinto Horse Association of America recognizes two specific types of Pinto patterns: Tobiano, pronounded Toe-bee-ah'-no, and Overo, pronounced O-vair'-o. According to the PHAA, Pinto patterns combine white with any of the following: brown, black, bay, roan, buckskin, gray, chestnut, sorrel, cremello, perlino, smokey cream, grullo, dun, palomino and champagne.

    Tobiano Pattern

    • The Tobiano pattern is present when a large patch of white coloring crosses over the back of the pony, between the withers and tail. Most Tobiano Pinto ponies have white stockings. Combinations of other colors are present on the head, chest, buttocks, tail and flank, creating the appearance of a white pony with large, flowing patches of color..

    Overo Pattern

    • The Overo is the opposite color combination of the Tobiano. The base coloring that crosses over the back is not white and the legs are usually a solid color. Jagged white markings typically begin on the head and face, splashing down over the horse's chest, legs, buttocks and flank. The base colors appear to frame the white splotches. It's also interesting to note that Overo Pinto ponies often have blue eyes.

    Popularity

    • Pinto ponies are synonymous with the American West, evoking iconic images of the frontier days. They continue to be a popular breed today, showing up frequently in parades, horse shows and farms across America. Easily trained, high-spirited and eager to please their owners, Pinto ponies are still thought of as magical by many people who encounter them.

    Differences Between Ponies and Horses

    • Scientists consider ponies and horses as the same species (Equus caballus), but equine enthusiasts acknowledge the many differences between them. One of the main differences is height, which is measured in hands. Horses are generally 14.2 hands and taller, while ponies are generally 8 to 14.2 hands. A pony has shorter legs, a broader body and a thicker coat, mane and tail. Ponies also tend to be more playful than horses.