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Who is the Perfect Partner? By Patti Campbell, APHA Director of Communications Intelligent, athletic and loaded with eye-appeal, the American Paint Horse has much to offer today's equine enthusiast. Considering a venture into the equine industry? If so, you'll probably want to know more about the outstanding American Paint Horse. An intelligent, stock-type horse, the American Paint is built for quickness, speed, agility and dexterity. These qualities, plus a willing attitude, make the Paint Horse ideal for pleasure riding, ranch work, rodeoing, racing and showing-plus, they're a perfect mount for children and novice horsemen and -women. Differentiated from other stock-type breeds by their colorful coats, Paint Horses have unique coat patterns, making each horse a one-of-a-kind original. For registration and breeding purposes, Paint Horses are categorized by their individual coat pattern, which can be tobiano, overo or tovero. The tobiano (pronounced: tow be yah´ no) pattern is distinguished by oval or round spots that extend down the neck and chest. White will often cross the horse's back between its withers and tail. The tobiano's head markings may be completely solid, or have a blaze, strip, star or snip. Generally, their legs are white, at least below the knees and hocks, and their tail is often two colors. The overo (pronounced: oh vair´ oh) pattern may be predominantly dark or white. Typically, the white will not cross the back of the horse between its withers and tail. Overos often have bold white head markings, such as a bald face. Generally, an overo's body markings will be irregular and scattered, and one or all four legs will be dark. Their tail is usually one color. Because not all coat patterns fit neatly into these two categories, the APHA expanded its classifications to include the tovero pattern to describe horses that have characteristics of both the tobiano and overo patterns. How the color caught on The American Paint Horse Association sprang from the efforts of like-minded horsemen and -women who loved the ability and speed of the Western "stock" type horse, but who also appreciated the extra eye appeal of the American Paint. In the early 1960s, two groups formed to preserve the Paint Horse's heritage: the American Paint Quarter Horse Association, founded in 1961, and the American Paint Stock Horse Association, founded in 1962 by Rebecca Tyler Lockhart. In 1965, the two organizations united to become the APHA. Not satisfied with a breed based entirely on coat patterns, the founders of the APHA set strict standards for conformation, athletic ability and performance, as well as demanding intelligence, a calm temperament and a willing disposition. To be eligible for registry with APHA, horses must come from stock registered with one of three recognized organizations: the APHA, the AQHA and the Jockey Club (U.S. Thoroughbred Registry). Solid-colored horses with Paint Horse bloodlines are included in the APHA registry as Breeding Stock. However, the association maintains minimum color requirements for registration in the Regular Registry. It's more than color that makes Paints great With a solid history of market success, the Paint Horse breed promises to be a horse industry leader well into the 21st Century. In 1994, the American Paint Horse Association registered 27,549 horses. Two years later, registrations were up more than 50 percent to 41,491. Continuing its upward swing, the APHA registered 55,356 horses in 1998-a number that was again surpassed in 1999. "We've seen tremendous growth in the Paint breed," said APHA Executive Secretary Ed Roberts. "To me, it's been nothing short of astounding." Serving as the association's executive secretary for 24 years, Roberts has witnessed first-hand the breed's triumphs. "It's absolutely terrific the way this breed has grown since I first stepped in the door," said Roberts. "I don't think you'll find any finer group of people in the horse industry than you will in the Paint Horse business. It's our challenge now to provide those people with more opportunities to enjoy and make money with their Paint Horses." What lies ahead for the APHA? Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the APHA is the world's fastest-growing-and second-largest-equine breed in number of horses registered annually. With more than 75,000 members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and 32 foreign countries, the APHA is always trying to find new ways to enhance the Paint Horse ownership experience. By developing new programs and improving on those already existing, the association strives to encourage more of the Paint Horse breed's 200,000-plus owners to become actively involved in APHA events and programs. In addition, the APHA continues its efforts to preserve and promote the history, breeding, training, racing, showing, sales and enjoyment of American Paint Horses. The APHA was formed with approximately 3,800 horses in the registry. Today, more than 500,000 Paints are registered with the association, making Paint Horses the fifth-largest horse breed in the world. For more information about the APHA and its programs, call (817) 834-2742, extension 788, or go online at www.apha.com

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