The Palomino horse with its stunning golden coat and gentle demeanor, has captivated equestrian enthusiasts for centuries. In this comprehensive guide, we will uncover the rich history of Palominos and explore the various breeds that showcase this striking coat color.
The Palomino has long been my favorite color. The striking golden color of the coat and the contrasting white mane is so gorgeous, its almost too beautiful to be real!
It turns out I’m not alone even the Greek and Roman Gods chose palominos to carry them around in their chariots. The Palomino has a rich and interesting history so let’s dive in!
The Appeal of a Palomino Horse
Beyond their beautiful golden coats, Palomino horses offer a range of qualities that appeal to riders of all levels. Their gentle temperament, intelligence, and willingness to work make them ideal partners for various equestrian pursuits, from leisurely trail rides to competitive events.
Palomino Horse Origin
The Palomino has long been recognized as a special color but only in the 16th century was the color given its own name – Palomino.
Shimmering golden coats have long been associated with horse breeds such as the Akhal-Teke.
Golden horses appear frequently in legendary accounts. The sun god of Greek and Roman mythology drove his chariot through the sky harnessed to fiery gold horses.
In Greek mythology one of the steeds of the Greek hero Achilles was called Xanthos, which might be translated as “Golden One,” or even “Blondie!”
The History of the Palomino Horse
The origins of the Palomino coloration can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where golden horses were prized for their beauty and rarity. In Europe, during the Renaissance era, Palominos gained popularity among nobility and were often depicted in royal portraits as symbols of wealth and prestige.
Originally palominos were called Isabella’s after Queen Isabella of Spain. The queen adored horses of this color. They were the pride of queen Isabella and she allegedly sent a stallion and five mares to be foundation stock in the New world in Mexico. Eventually, some of these horses escaped and today the palomino color is found in wild mustang horses across North America.
However, some historians disagree with this. They point out that the word Isabella was used to describe fabrics of a yellow-gray color before her reign.
Not long after a Spanish nobleman and conquistador, Juan de Palomino, loved the coat color as much as Isabella, and so the horses he bred acquired his name, Palomino.
However, there is disagreement about this too. It seems that Palomino is also the name of a yellow-gold variety of grape. It would, therefore, not be surprising if golden horses got their name from the special grape.
Yet another story suggests that Palomino derives from the Spanish word Paloma, meaning dove. This, too, is possible when you consider the light coloring of Palominos, and their gentle eyes like that of a dove.
The Palomino Horse Association
Established in 1936, the Palomino Horse Association (PHA) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Palomino breed. Through rigorous breeding standards and educational programs, the PHA ensures the continued excellence of Palomino horses worldwide.
Palomino Horses Colors and Variations
Palominos are not a breed, they can be found in various breeds but have a similar range of coloration. A Palomino can be any breed but will usually have a golden coat and a white mane and tail, though the shade of gold can vary.
Many palomino horses will also change shades seasonally. The summer sun will often light their coat, while their winter hair usually comes in darker.
There are Four main types of Palomino coat color that are recognized. Here’s how to tell them apart:
Light Palomino
- The first one, light Palomino, is the closest to Cremello. These horses have pale-colored coats with white or ivory manes and tails. They are a beautiful sandy cream color that could be easily mistaken for some Cremello horses at a distance. However, like all true Palominos, the light Palomino has dark skin, whereas a Cremello has pink skin. True Palominos always have dark eyes.
Golden Palomino
Golden Palomino Horses have the classic American gold coin coloring, usually with a white mane and tail. They may change colors according to the season. Intense sunlight can also have an effect on Palomino coats, as with other colors.
Chocolate Palomino
- Chocolate Palomino, as the name suggests, are a rich, warm, golden chocolate color, sometimes with a flaxen mane and tail. It’s the outcome of crossing a liver chestnut horse with a Palomino creme gene and is a rare and treasured coat color.
Pearl Palomino
- The unusual Pearl Palominos occur as the result of the rare pearl dilution gene, which is found in Iberian breeds, including the Andalusian and Lusitano. Various breeds, such as the Quarter Horse and Paint Horse, and some of the gaited breeds like the Peruvian Paso, can carry this gene. As they are descendants of Iberian horses, this is the likely source of this genetic mutation. They can have blue eyes.
Palomino Horse Breeds
Palomino is a golden color and not a breed, so horses of many different breeds can be Palominos.
American Quarter Horse
- Known for being athletic and able to excel in many events, Palomino American Quarter Horses excel in western disciplines such as reining, cutting, and barrel racing. Their golden coats shimmer in the show ring, earning admiration and accolades.
Arabian horses
- Palomino Arabians combine the elegance of the Arabian breed with a stunning golden color. They are known for their endurance and grace, These horses thrive in both competitive endurance rides and dazzling show performances. Purebred Arabians are not palomino but breeders have been crossing them with other breeds to get the dilution gene and keep the Arabian characteristics.
Tennessee Walking Horse
- Palomino Tennessee Walking Horses are celebrated for their smooth gaits and gentle nature. They are great at pleasure riding and trail competitions, showcasing their golden beauty as they navigate the trails with ease.
Morgan
- Palomino Morgans have strength and heart, they are used for many things from dressage to driving. Their golden coats show off their muscular build, making them a favorite among equestrians seeking a striking partner.
American Paint Horse
- Palomino Paint Horses display a unique combination of color patterns, with their golden coats with striking white markings. They are ridden in both western and English events, showcasing their athleticism and eye-catching appearance.
Palomino Horse Characteristics
Palomino horse colors are shades of golden, yellow, or cream. Their manes are silver, ivory or white. Palomino horses are found in many breeds. Which can fall into three categories: draft horses, light horses, ponies and mini horses, affecting palomino horse size, strength and speed. Palominos are used in a wide variety of disciplines and are ridden western or english.
Palomino Horse Price
The price of a Palomino horse depends on the breed, training and age of the horse. But because they are a popular choice and many people want to own a Palomino sellers can ask a premium price for a palomino because of their color. An average horse would cost between 1,000 to 5,000 dollars. Contact the palomino horse breeders of America for more information.
Most famous Palomino horse
Bamboo Harvester (1949–1970) was the American Saddlebred/part-Arabian horse that portrayed Mister Ed on the 1961–1966 comedy series of the same name. Mister Ed was born in El Monte, California, and his real name was Bamboo Harvester. He was a palomino horse on the silver screen and had his own show. On the Mr. Ed show, he played a talking horse that only spoke to his owner Wilber.
Palomino Horse Conclusion
In conclusion, Palomino horses are shining examples of beauty, grace, and versatility in the equestrian world. Whether seen in the show ring, on the trail, or in the movies, these golden treasures continue to capture the hearts of horse lovers around the world, embodying the timeless allure of equine excellence.
I hope you found this article on Palomino horse both interesting and entertaining. Please save a Pin to Pinterest and share it with your friends on social media!
Do you have a palomino? Share about your horse in the comments. I would love to hear from you!
References
Palomino Horse Breeders of America https://www.palominohba.com/about-phba/
okstate.edu https://breeds.okstate.edu/horses/palomino-horses.html
Wikepedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo_Harvester
