One frequently asked question is what is the difference between Paint & Pinto?
Simply put the Paint horse is registered by the Paint Horse Association of Australia, and is limited to documented registered horses of Paint, Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred breeding. Most Paints can be dual registered as Pintos provided they exhibit the correct color requirements.

Historically, Pinto markings (like all equine colors and patterns) had their origins in ancient times. They are special genetic traits… In years past the original description of a Pinto was Piebald (being of Black and White coloring) or Skewbald (being of Chestnut or Brown and White coloring) and of Tobiano pattern. Over the years we have seen the introduction of the Overo pattern and now the Pinto can be of Overo & Tobiano patterns, variations and colors. Our color requirements page explains the differences.

Pinto Associations in Australia

A national body known as Pintos Australia Ltd was the original registry for Pintos in Australia. Here the standards for color requirement, horse types suitable for registration and other criteria were set. Horses not eligible for registration with Pintos Australia were horses of Palouse, Appaloosa, Standardbred or any Heavy Horse breeding. These horses had their own unique patterns and/or breed registries and did not meet the type of riding horse to be classified for Pinto registry. In 1983 Pintos Australia was disbanded – each state then formed their own association and registry for members and horses. From these early beginnings each association has developed their own rules for color requirements, breeds acceptable etc.

The Pinto horse has been and is still being developed – please check with the Association in your state (Qld has 2 associations) as each one will have different requirements on the breeds they accept to be eligible for registry within their particular association, all horses must exhibit the correct coat patterns and display enough white to meet each associations regulations.

Some Australian registries focus primarily on color, and have expanded the breeds they accept for registration; thus allowing horses of Heavy Horse, and other Harness Horse breeding to be included.

Pinto Horse and Pony Association

Other Australian registries have elected to maintain the essence of the early Pintos Australia Ltd type of Light Riding Horse; the PHPA Inc. has chosen to follow the type of the Light Horse and therefore does not accept registrations of horses with Standardbred, Harness Horse, Gaited Horse or any Heavy Horse ancestry, nor does it accept those of Appaloosa or Palouse breeding. PHPA Inc. accepts the Miniature as it meets the riding type criteria that the PHPA Inc. holds as the standard of horse acceptable within their registry.

PHPA Standard of Excellence

The Pinto is a well conformed Light Horse of Riding Type.
Stallions should be well developed and exhibit desirable attributes to pass to progeny.
Mares should be more refined, but show the correct characteristics suitable to the Light Horse.

Head – Should not be coarse; proportionate with the body. Eyes should be well set to the sides of the head, teeth to meet evenly, no conformation defect to be exhibited.
Neck – Should be well set, and in proportion to the body; an even top line should be evidenced.
Body – Should have a well rounded rump, with a natural curve in the back, the loins should be proportionate also. The entire body should present as a picture of balance appropriate to the horse.
Legs – Should be set squarely and display correct conformation.
Action – Should exhibit a smooth, straight following action, should track up in all paces and should never trot wide behind.

Standard of Excellence
The development of the Pinto
Clydesdales, Gypsy Horses & Gaited Breeds