Horse Breed Spotlight – The Palomino

The Palomino is a majestic and well-loved horse!

The Palomino is not what most people think of as a traditional “breed.” It is, however, recognized in the United States as a color breed. Because of this, horses belonging to the breed are identified by appearance, not genetics. The Palomino has a golden coat with a white mane and tail. Famous Palominos include Mr. Ed and Roy Rogers’ steed, Trigger.  Queen Isabella of Spain is reported to have loved Palominos, so much so that in Spain horses of this color are still referred t as “Ysabellas” after her majesty!  She even sent a stallion and several mares over to the New World in order to perpetuate the breed there.

Characteristics

Palominos have darks skin and brown eyes.  Palominos can be registered with the Palomino Horse Association (PHA) or the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA). The PHA will register horses of any breed based on color and conformation. Colors can range from light to dark gold, with a white, silver or ivory tail. The PHBA also requires horses to have the structure of light riding breeds, meaning they are 14 to 17 hands high with no draft horse or pony characteristics. The Palomino is alert and fiery, but still manages to work well with people. Some people characterize Palominos into three types:  stock, saddle bred, and pleasure.

The golden body and white mane are characteristic of the Palomino.

In order to breed a Palomino, it is best to start with a homozygous Palomino and breed to a chestnut, bay, or sorrel. All foals will either be Palomino or buckskin in color. Make sure you also take into account good conformation, suitable personality and an excellent bill of health before breeding.

A Palomino colt.

Genetic Health Problems

Because these horses can have a multitude of genetic backgrounds, there are not genetic health problems specific to this color breed of horse. Look into your horses genetic background, and the breeds of his or her parents, to determine and medical conditions that could become a problem.

Best Suited to What Type of Owner

The Palomino is a versatile horse. Therefore, owners with a variety of equestrian interests will find themselves well suited for a Palomino. Palominos will excel in ranching, racing, rodeos, pleasure riding, parades, jumping trail rides, and just about any other activity you can imagine.

The Palomino is well loved and recognized all around the globe, and not without good reason. This versatile creature is sure to please any horse lover!