Pintabian

A Pintabian is a horse with over 99% Arabian blood and tobiano markings.

What are "tobiano" markings?

Tobiano is a non-symmetrical pattern of large, irregular spots. The well-defined spots cover the body randomly but cross the topline at some point between ears and tail. The head is usually colored with white markings common to those of non-spotted horses. All four legs are generally white. All tobianos are unique and can range from a largely white horse to one with very little white; the ideal being that which is 50% colored and 50% white. Tobiano is a dominant spotting pattern, but to produce this type of horse, at least one parent must be a tobiano.

How did Pintabians come about?

Two solid (non-spotted) horses can not produce a tobiano. So Pintabians were developed by continually crossing tobianos back to purebred Arabians until a relative pure strain of spotted horses with nearly 100% Arabian blood was obtained. Purebred Arabians are eligible for registration as "Outcross" horses to allow for additional bloodlines. Foals born without the desired tobiano markings are eligible for registration as "Breeding Stock" as they also meet the requirement of being over 99% Arabian in blood.

What are Pintabians best suited for?

Known for their versatility, Pintabians are ideal for pleasure, showing, competitive and endurance sports, racing, driving ect. They make great youth and family horses as well.

What kind of history do they have?

The Arabian, from which the Pintabian so strongly descend, was the first breed of horse known to man. Bedouin tribes from the Middle East deserts believed him to be a gift from God and even included them as members of their households. These horses which had their own "look," were prized and guarded zealously by their owners. These ancient breeders carefully protected the purity of their horses and painstakingly recorded their bloodlines. The tobiano pattern is common among the wild horses of the Russian steppes and many authorities believe they were introduced earlier during the Roman Empire. Later, these spotted horses were associated with the American Indian who considered them to be magical.

Pintabian Profile: The Breed Standard

While tobiano markings are one of its distinguishing characteristics, it is not a "color breed" based only on these traits. The Pintabian is an athletic, using breed which has not been restricted to one activity or purpose. Its rugged physical qualities make it suitable for a wide range of work under a variety of conditions. Basic type and conformation of the Pintabian breed are:

• Head - Beautifully formed, well shaped with broad forehead (wide between the eyes) and a dished face. Eyes are bright, clear, prominent and kind. Nostrils are large but the muzzle is small.
• Neck - Well arched with good length and definition, meets the shoulder smoothly.
• Shoulder - Long, well laid back, with good slope and withers.
• Chest - Broad. Back - Short, strong and muscular with ribs well sprung from the backbone.
• Hindquarters - Relatively level croup with good length of hip.
• Tail - Full, set high and carried proudly.
• Legs - Straight and true both front and rear.
• Feet - Hard, sound and strong.
• Bone - Clean, hard and flat.
• Height - 14.2 hands to 15.2 hands at the withers, occasional individuals going slightly over or under.
• Weight - Generally between 900 and 1,100 pounds.
• Colors - Many and varied, some base colors include black, bay, buckskin, chestnut, dun, gray, grullo and palomino. Tobiano is the desired color pattern.
• Action - Graceful and well-coordinated with a natural easy stride. Animated and stylish yet surefooted and athletic.
• Temperament - Mannerly, responsive, enthusiastic and sensitive. Gentleness is an important prerequisite as they are much in demand as mounts for children as well as adults. They possess good sense and intelligence and have a docile, willing attitude.

Pintabian Horse Registry

Because of the distinctive features that have been preserved throughout the years, and their popular spotted markings, it's impossible to mistake the Pintabian for any other breed! The Pintabian Horse Registry was established in 1992 and carries on the tradition of the early Bedouins by keeping accurate records and detailed pedigrees. If you wish more information on this breed you can write to: Pintabian Horse Registry, P.O. Box A, Karlstad, MN 56732. We thank them for this information we are sharing with you.

For more information on Pintabians, visit:

• The American Pinto Arabian Registry
• Republic Arabians with pinto National Show Horses and American Saddlebreds of Florida
• Oklahoma State University
• Bibliography

Published April 1997 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (ma)
© 1997-2019 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 1/28/2019