Palomino is a horse
color not a breed. The characteristic palomino color is that of a
newly minted fourteen-karat gold coin with variations from light to
dark. The skin is usually gray, black, brown or motley without
underlying pink skin or spots, except on the face or legs. The eyes
are usually black, hazel, or brown. The mane and tail must be white
with not more than fifteen percent dark, sorrel, or chestnut hairs.
The Palomino did not originate in the United States, yet
the United States is were the registry associations for the palomino
originated. The exact origin of the golden color is unknown, it is
believed to be a descendant of Arabian color patterns. The biblical
book, Zechariah, written in 519 B.C., mentions horses possessing
bay, sorrel, black, grey, and white coat colors. Because of the
variety of color crosses that produce the Palomino color, it is
assumed the color is as old as the animal.
Palomino horses have
filtered their way through history, and are mentioned and seen in a
variety of literary and artistic works, including Botticelli’s 1481
painting "The Adoration of the Magi", which hangs in the National
Gallery in Washington D.C. Today Palomino horses may be seen in
every aspect of the horse industry from working on ranches, to being
displayed in the show ring, as well as running on the racetrack. A
favorite to a variety of clubs and organizations, the Palomino has
been seen as a parade horse, in rodeos, and as a trail and endurance
horses. Though many types of horses may bear the gold coloring, the
Palomino Horse Breeders of America represent only Quarter Horses,
Tennessee Walking Horses, Morgans, Arabians, and American
Saddlebreds in the PHBA registry. |
