The Horse Breeds - Paso, Percheron, Palomino

P alphabet list of horse breeds that you may come across:(Page 1 : 2)

Paint Horses

After the introduction by the Spanish, Paint horses joined the numerous herds of wild horses, which roamed the plains of western America. They feature specific coat colors, which usually combine white and black. Color patterns are divided into three categories: tobiano, overo and tovero. Color combinations may also include palomino, bay, brown, sorrel, dun, grulla, grey and roan. Paint horses are square-built, strong-boned and balanced, and they are used both as draft- and sport-horses.

Palomino

Actually, Palomino is not a breed, but a horse color. The exact place of origin of the horse is uncertain, but many believe that these animals descended from Arab breeds. The palomino color is that of a 14-karat gold coin, and it can be either dark or light. In fact, the palomino color is defined by a dilution gene. Palominos stand 13-17 hands tall, and they have distinctive white manes.

Paso Fino

The Paso Fino breed first came to be a mixture of Spanish breeds, such as Barbs, Andalusian and Spanish Jennet. This horse possessed a very light and comfortable gait, characterized by a rhythmic and even hoof beat, which contributed to the popularity of Paso Fino Horses. They have a proportionate body and intelligent facial expression. Paso Fino Horses stant 13 to 15 hands tall; all equine colors are admissible.

Percheron

The Percheron breed originated in the province of Le Perche, France, and in those times it was used as a battle horse. It was first imported to America in 1839. Percherons are usually gray or black; they possess a light gait, which is maintained by strong level back and substantial hindquarters. Forearms and thighs are well-muscled and the chest is deep and broad. Height ranges between 14.3 and 16.1 hands.

Peruvian Paso

Peruvian Paso Horses descended from Barbs, Spanish Jennets, Andalusians and Friesians. These horses greatly contributed to the overthrow of the old Inca Empire. These horses occur in all equine colors, including gray, brown, bay, chestnut, palomino, black, buckskin and roan. Peruvian Horses move in a side-to-side swaying gate, and they can extent their front limbs in a distinctive "swimming" fashion. They are very enduring and always eager to please their handlers.