Other “Spots of Color” . . . The Pintaloosa submitted by the ISHR The International Spotted Horse Registry Association has discovered that there are other “spots of color” out in the horse world besides the world of Paint, Pinto and Appaloosa -- that is the Pintaloosa horse which can emit a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. By breeding a Paint or Pinto to an Appaloosa (or visa versa) and with a bit of luck a breeder can have a beautiful tobiano with a flashy spotted blanket or a wintry pattern of a snowflake tobiano. The patterns are endless as is the multitude of colors. Presently the Pintaloosa horse is controversial among many diehard Paint and Pinto breeders and many Appaloosa breeders. However, wanting to create more beautifully colored and patterned horses, more breeders are turning to the cross breeding between Paint, Pinto and Appaloosa. There are Arabian breeders who wanted more “charisma” added to their Arabian horses, more color for added“class” so they turned to breeding for spotted color going for the Pinto pattern or the Appaloosa for greater pattern variety. On the other hand, miniature horse breeders were breeding for their size so the color or patterns were of no big issue - so many “Pintaloosa” breedings were done but eyebrows were not raised because most breeders were not so much interested in the coat patterns as they were the small horse size and conformation. The Appaloosa and Paint horse associations promote the “purity of blood” rather than color or pattern of the breed, and even the Pinto Association is more for the “purity of blood” than color because at least one (1) parent is required to be registered through them or you can pay a hefty fee for a “hardship” case. Color is of secondary nature to certain associations. The International Spotted Horse Registry (ISHR for short) accepts all spotted horses of any breed or breed type. The Pintaloosa is a special edition to their acceptance of color. According to the registries Founder and President, Rebecca Rogers, the “Class A” Pintaloosa is the most distinguishable of the Pintaloosa types. That is because the “Class A” Pintaloosa shows the characteristics of both the Pinto and Appaloosa. The “Class B” Pintaloosa only exhibits one type of color pattern - either the Pinto type or the Appaloosa type but not both (but they do have both bloodlines in them). The ISHR accepts these patterns for the Pinto type: tobiano, overo, tovero, sabino, splashed white, and any combination derived from any of these patterns. Acceptable Appaloosa patterns are: few spot leopard, spotted leopard, snowflake, blanket (solid and spotted), mottled, snowcap, flecked, varnish, frost or any combination thereof. So with a Pintaloosa there are hundreds of pattern variations one can get. Do you think your spotted horse fits into the ISHR criteria for registration? If so contact the registry through their website at: http://www.spottedhorseregistry.com or email ishrppa@aol.com. Or you can write to: ISHR, POB 412, Anderson, MO. 64831-0412. The toll free number is 866-201-3098 or you can call 417-475-MARE (6273). ISHR is not only a horse registry, but also offers a variety of programs for the members and has annual year-end award presentations. ISHR now offers the first Pintaloosa Foundation Stallion and Broodmare book. ISHR was established in 1990 and has members and registered horses from all over the world.