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Thoroughbred Livestock - Palomino HorsesPalomino refers to the distinct color coat and markings of a horse. The color and markings consist of a gold coat and white mane and tail. The breed standard identifies the ideal color as that of a newly minted gold coin. However, some registries allow many variations from light almost-white color, to a dark chocolate color. This breed of horse is fairly common and is much sought after as show animals. It is also a favorite for parades and some have even achieved stardom in Hollywood. Nearly everyone either remembers or has heard of Trigger, Roy Rogers' famous mount in western movies of the '40s and '50s. Another horse, Bamboo Harvester found fame under his stage name Mr. Ed, a popular television show in the '60s. 
Although there are hundreds of different horse types listed as distinct breeds, palomino is not one of them. The Palomino is a color breed, simply a color and not a set of characteristics that make up a true breed. This has to do with genetics, DNA and breeding characteristics, which I understand little of, and won't try to explain it on this page. Horses from many different breeds may qualify to be registered as Palominos as long as they are golden-colored and properly marked. American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse, Morgan and Quarter Horse are some breeds which will produce this color.
The exact origin of this breed has never been determined, but most horsemen agree that all light-colored horses originated with the Arabs centuries ago. Stories and some documentation has been found placing this golden horse in nearly every continent and culture throughout the years. Horses resembling this golden colored horse even appear in ancient paintings from the Far East. Queen Isabella of Spain is credited with introducing the horse to the new world through Mexico during early Spanish occupation of that country. As well as being distinctly marked and beautifully colored, the Palomino has many other favorable traits. They are also very versatile and hardy, and appear often in almost any equine activity, from rodeos and parades to ranching and pleasure riding. Because of their versatility and hardiness, these horses are a favorite with hobby farmers and other horse lovers. Any horse can eat near constantly so good pasture backed up by quality hay or alfalfa is required to provide them with about 2 percent of their body weight in grasses. This equates to about 25 pounds a day for an adult horse. You must have stock tanks with clean fresh water to provide approximately 5-10 gallons a day per horse. Have some stock salt available on demand for your horses, provide barn space or other shelter, throw in basic maintenance and healthcare, and you will have a happy and healthy animal. For some excellent details on raising and caring for horses, including
Palominos, visit Living With Horses.com.
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