Paints are one of the fastest growing breeds globally. While historically shunned in many traditional equestrian cultures, well-bred horses of colour have been increasingly sought after in many communities and countries.

With fewer than a dozen APHA-registered Paint Horses on the entire African continent, South Africa is at the early stages of this compelling trend. It is an especially exciting time for horse owners here to add a Paint to their paddocks!

Onto some statistics….
The numbers speak for themselves: many countries have seen their registered Paint Horse populations EXPLODE as more equestrians seek to find their dream horse within this beautiful and versatile breed.

APHA-registered Paint Horse populations have boomed in many places. According to the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), from 1997 to 2004:

• In France, the Paint Horse population increased by a whopping 5.9x, equivalent to an incredible growth rate of 70% per annum.
• In Spain, a 5.5x increase, 65% growth per annum.
• In The Netherlands, a 4.6x% increase, 51% growth per annum.
• In Brazil, a 4.1x increase, 45% growth per annum.
• In Sweden, a 3.8x increase, 40% growth per annum.
• In Belgium, a 3.2x increase, 32% growth per annum.
• In Italy, a 2.5x increase, 22% growth per annum.
• In Australia, a 2.1x increase, growth 13% per annum.

It is difficult to find a horse breed which has gained such amazing popularity across so many types of riders all around the word.

Colour is in the Cards
Well-bred horses of “colour” are increasingly in strong demand globally. Pintos generally (including Paints) have seen a big surge in popularity since the late 1990s. As they are still relatively exclusive, many breeders are able to charge a price premium for their more colourful vs solid foal crops, as well as for stud fees of pinto stallions, especially those with exquisite, balanced markings. This is particularly true for pure bred Pintos, be they Paints, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds (non-racing), Saddlebreds, Welsh Ponies, Arabians (Pintabians), etc.

Why Paint?
Paint Horses are increasingly sought out for a number of reasons:

• Paints are ATHLETES: This breed was developed to be a strong and performance-oriented, well-muscled with balanced conformation, all in an adult-sized package. Minimum height is 14h, but the average for Paint Horses typically ranges from 15h-16+h.

• The Paints offer diversity: Body types vary to suit an array of rider requirements:

- Thoroughbred-types are purpose-bred tall, elegant sport-horses that command attention and earn points in the show arena. They are in increasing demand amongst the serious hunt-seat and English equestrians.

- Quarter Horse-types are the more traditional muscular, sturdy horses which can excel at reining and Western Pleasure riding.

- All-Rounders offer options betwixt the extremes!

• Paints have great minds: Morphology and markings aside, this dazzling breed of horse is known for sound minds, intelligence and a willing temperament: It’s in the blood. These are factors that also contribute to the performance potential -- and enjoyment --- of the horse.

• Paints are dazzling! Whether minimally or maximally marked, or somewhere in between, buckskin or black, palomino or perlino, each is truly a one-of-a-kind feast for the eyes.

What's a Paint?, Types of Paints, Other Coloured Horses