Descended from horses introduced by the Spanish conquistadors, Paints became part of the herds of wild horses that roamed the Western deserts and plains. Once domesticated, because of their working ability and heart, the Paint was cherished by cowboys for cattle work. Native Americans revered the Paint, which they believed to possess magical powers.

While over the years the conformation and athletic ability of those rugged mounts of the Old West have been improved by breeders, the unusual coat patterns and coloring remain the same. The stock-type conformation, intelligence, and willing attitude make the American Paint Horse an excellent horse for pleasure riding, ranch work, rodeo, trail riding, racing, showing, or simply as a friendly mount for the kids.

Built for versatility, the American Paint Horse is generally short-coupled, strong-boned and well balanced. Yet Paints display a remarkable degree of refinement and beauty, especially about the head and neck.

The Paint Horse's colorful coat pattern defines the breed, because it is perhaps the most obvious trait. However, Paint Horses must also possess a distinct stock-type conformation. Paints come in an endless variety of patterns. Their coat is always a combination of white with any of the basic colors common to horses: black, bay, brown, chestnut, dun, grulla, sorrel, palomino, gray and roan. Regardless of color, no two horses are exactly alike in coat pattern.

For registration and breeding purposes there are three distinctive coat patterns. 

The Tobiano:  this pattern is distinguished by head markings like those of solid-colored horses - the head may be completely solid, or display a blaze, strip, star or snip.  Generally all four legs are white, at least below the hocks and knees.  Their spots are distinctly oval or round and extend down the neck and chest looking much like a shield.  Usually the Tobiano will have the dark color on one or both flanks, they can be predominantly dark or white.  Tails are often two colors.

The Overo pattern may also be either dark or white.  Typically the white on the Overo will not cross the back of the horse between the withers and the tail.  Usually all four legs will be dark.  Overos have bold white head markings, such as a bald face.  They generally have irregular, scattered markings.  The tail is usually one color.

Tovero is used to describe horses that have a combination of Tobiano and Overo patterns.