Pinto horses are considered one of the rarest. The animals gained their fame due to their extraordinary color. It attracts many horse breeders and ordinary people who admire these interesting animals. They have a strange and rich history and are considered unique. The animals look very exotic. Moreover, there are several types of such horses, each of which has certain characteristics.
Origin story
These spotted animals are mentioned in documents of Ancient Egypt. They are also found in ancient Chinese and Mongolian drawings. The appearance of spots on the body of horses is associated with gene mutations that are inherited. Genes are responsible for the localization of spots on the body of animals. At the same time, the piebald color is not considered the only feature. In addition, many animals of this color have blue eyes.
In Europe, these animals have always been perceived with some disdain, comparing piebald color to cow color. They were usually used for economic purposes. Piebald horses came to America thanks to the conquistadors. There these animals became widespread. The Indians were sure that spotted horses brought good luck in battles.
Description of piebald suit
Piebald horses are characterized by the presence of extensive white spots in the main color of the skin. They differ in shape and location. In this case, the spots are characterized by chaotic localization and arbitrary sizes. Sometimes the spots cover such a large area that they practically merge with each other. At the same time, it seems that the skin is white in color. However, this is not true.
The base color is red, bay or black. White spots are randomly scattered throughout this shade. When crossing animals of different colors, motley foals can be obtained only if at least one parent has the desired gene.
Horse breeds with this color
Today there are several varieties of piebald horses. Each of them differs in a number of features.
Tobiano
Pinto Tobiano horses are characterized by dark sides on one or both sides.In this case, the limbs below the knees are distinguished by their white color. Areas with dark fur are characterized by a round or oval shape. They look symmetrical and represent a kind of shield. The tail of animals of this color often has 2 colors at once.
Overo
These horses are characterized by white spots on the lower part of the body. They take over the stomach and sides. However, there are no such areas on the back. The result is that the horse appears to have multiple fields of color. Among the representatives of this color there are often animals with a white head and dark limbs.
Tovero
These animals combine the properties of 2 breeds - Overo and Tobiano. When crossing animals, it is possible to obtain a foal that combines the characteristics of the parents. In this case, the cub usually inherits the gene of the parent with the maximum number of white spots on the body.
Suit problems
Gene abnormalities associated with the piebald color of animals have not only positive consequences. A common problem is the high mortality rate of young animals.
This is more common with Frame Overo pintos. After mating of two animals that belong to this breed, in 25% of cases the baby dies within the first hours after birth. This is due to insufficient development of the digestive organs.
It is also possible that other problems may arise that are associated with gene mutations. These include dermatological pathologies. In addition, animals of these breeds periodically experience paralysis.
Piebald animals are distinguished by their spectacular appearance and unusual color. Therefore, horses are often used for exhibitions, shows, and parades. However, it is worth considering that the gene mutations that lead to the piebald color have not been sufficiently studied. Therefore, animals periodically encounter problems that have to be eliminated.
