Palomino, colour type of horse distinguished by its cream, yellow, or gold coat and white or silver mane and tail. The colour does not breed true. Horses of proper colour, of proper saddle-horse type, and from at least one registered parent of several light breeds can be registered as Palominos. This colour is popular for pleasure and parade classes. Their type and use depend upon their breeding and training. They may conform to the breed types of several light breeds, such as Arabian or American Quarter horse. Two associations, the Palomino Horse Breeders of America, established in 1941, and the Palomino Horse Association, established in 1936, register Palominos.
Overview[]
Most breeds are classified according to lineage, but the Palomino is determined by color. Various breeds of horses can be Palominos. Quarter Horses make up about fifty percent of registered Palominos, while the remainder are Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, American Saddle Horses, Arabians, Morgans and Tennessee Walking Horses. It is difficult to breed Palominos, as they do not regularly perpetuate their coloring genetically. Bred to one another, Palominos produce chestnuts or cremellos (a horse with 2 cream genes) as often as they produce a horse of their own color type.
Physical Description[]
The Palomino is frequently a subject of attention since its bright coloring distinguishes it from other horses. The skin of the Palomino may be dark or light, although the coat must be gold in color. The coats of dark-skinned Palominos often turn white in winter, while light-skinned maintain the gold coloring year round. The Palomino stands between 14 and 17 hands. The mane and tail are white, and the eyes must be brown, black or hazel.
Origin[]
The origin of the Palomino is determined, in terms of conformation, by considering the origin of the breed of which it is a member.
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