A breed is defined as a group of animals with a specific set of characteristics that set the group apart from all
      other breeds in the animal kingdom.

      When these characteristics are defined, they make up what is called the Breed Standard (also known as the 
      Standard of Perfection or the Breed Profile).

      Pintabian horses, and their crossbred counterparts, PartPintabianTM pleasure variety equinesTM, are
      considered by many to be the most beautiful horses in the world.  For more information on various equine
      breeds, visit the site below:

      Markings:
      Must have tobiano markings.  (Tobiano is a non-symmetrical pattern of spots found in horses.  The well
      defined spots cover the body randomly but white crosses the topline at some point between the ears and
      the tail.  The head is usually colored but often includes the white markings common to those of non-spotted
      horses such as a blaze, strip and/or snip.  All four lower legs are generally white.)

      Colors:
      Many and varied; some of the base colors  (the color of a tobiano that is not white) that a Pintabian may be 
      are black, bay, buckskin, chestnut, dun, gray, grullo and palomino.

      Height:
      14.2 hands to 15.2 hands at the withers, with occassional individuals going slightly over or under.

      Weight:
      Generally between 900 and 1,100 pounds.

      Action:
      Graceful and well-coordinated with a natural, easy stride; animated and stylish yet sure-footed and athletic.

      Temperament:
      Mannerly, responsive, enthusiastic and sensitive.  Gentleness is important.  

      Attitude:
      Docile and willing; possesses good sense and intelligence.

      Head:
      Beautifully formed and well-shaped with a broad forehead; concave face.

      Eyes:
      Bright, clear, prominent, kind and soft.

      Nostils:
      Large.

      Muzzle:
      Small.

      Neck:
      Well-arched with good length and definition; meets the shoulder smoothly.

      Shoulder:
      Long, well laid-back with good slope and withers.

      Chest:
      Broad.

      Back:
      Short, strong and muscular with ribs that spring well from the backbone.

      Hindquarters:
      Relatively level croup with good length of hip.

      Tail:
      Full, set on high and carried proudly.

      Legs:
      Straight and true both front and rear.

      Bone:
      Clean, hard and flat.

      Feet:
      Hard, strong and sound.

      Colored Division
      Horses registered in this division are Pintabians.  They possess the desired tobiano markings and are over 99%
      Arabian in blood (but are less than 100% Arabian as purebred Arabians do not come in the tobiano pattern).  
      To qualify for registration in this division, at least one parent must be a tobiano.  Four colored photos (one 
      each of the front, rear, right and left sides) must be submitted to the PHRI along with a completed 
      Application for Colored Division Registration form and appropriate fee when registering Pintabian horses.

      Breeding Stock Division
      Horses in this division are over 99% Arabian in blood (but are less than 100% Arabian) and, unlike those 
      registered in the Colored Division, were born solid without the desired tobiano markings.  Horses registered
      in this division are capable of producing Pintabians when bred to horses in the Colored Division.  A 
      completed Application for Breeding Stock Registration form and appropriate fee must be submitted to the
      PHRI office to register Breeding Stock horses.

      Arabian Outcross Division
      Horses in this division are of purebred Arabian heritage and are used to infuse important outcross bloodlines 
      into the Pintabian breed.  They are generally solid (with no spots) but may possess overo markings or 
      characteristics.  Arabian horses are capable of producing Pintabians when bred to horses in the Colored 
      Division.  A completed Application for Arabian Outcross Registration form, along with a copy of the Arabian 
      Horse Association certificate of registration and appropriate fee, must be submitted to the PHRI office to 
      register Arabian Outcross horses.

Please note that the Pintabian Horse Registry, Inc. has the right to reclassify according to color, pattern, division, etc.

It is understood that the ruling of the Pintabian Horse Registry, Inc. is final.
 

Now horse lovers only need one book!

(click on photo to enlarge)

US Orders: $40.00/book
plus $9.95 shipping & handling
(MN res add 6.875% sales tax)

Foreign Orders: $49.99
plus $9.95 shipping & handling

Mail check, payable to PHRI, to:
"Official Horse Breeds Standards Guide"
PINTABIAN HORSE REGISTRY INC
PO Box 360
Karlstad, MN 56732-0360 USA

(Orders currently shipped in 14 working days)

IT IS THE PERFECT GIFT
FOR THAT HORSE ENTHUSIAST!

*     *     *     *     *     *


BOOK REVIEW
by
Kate Tully of the "Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar"
of the book
"The Official Horse Breeds Standards Guide"
by  Fran Lynghaug, 672 pages, hardcover, Voyageur Press, 2009 

I know what you are thinking...you already have a book of horse breeds, maybe even two or three.  This one, however, is a bit different.  Endorsed and verified by North American equine registries and containing information on over 118 breeds of horses and ponies, it is a real deal.  Ever heard of a Pintabian or a Racking Horse?  Well, now you can learn about these horse breeds, and also find out how to get in touch with their registries.  Lynghaug's exhaustive research has led to a book that's light on fluff, heavy on facts...and actually, it's just heavy in general, due to the hard cover and its 672 pages.

If you want to familiarize yourself with all the breeds in North America before buying a horse, or if you just want to expand your understanding of breeds, both common and uncommon, then this guide has a lot to offer you.  A few pages are dedicated to each breed, including color photos and information about the breed's history, characteristics, conformation, standards, and even social issues that may be affecting the breed (such as various wild horses). Each entry also includes contact information for the registry or club associated with it.  It's clear that these organizations contribute significantly to the detailed information about their beloved breed.  The breeds are organized alphabetically after being divided into six "types":  horses of the range, pleasure horses, gaited breeds, draft breeds, ponies and Warmbloods.  It should be noted that the book isn't concerned with only the breeds that "originated" in North America, but in fact all breeds that can currently be found here.  

BOTTOM LINE:  Probably the most comprehensive breed guide available.