The most common black and white horse breeds are the Gypsy Vanner, Paint, Appaloosa, Knabstrupper, and Shetland Pony. These horses usually have the coat patterns spotted, piebald, tobiano, overo, or paint.
From the show ring to trail riding, this sophisticated color combination stands out.
Though many of these breeds you may recognize for their ability to produce black and white coloring, some may come as a surprise to you.
Here are 14 horse breeds that commonly have black and white coat patterns:
Gypsy Vanner
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With luscious manes and long feathered legs, Gypsy Vanners are easily recognizable with their black and white pinto coats. Though they can come in a variety of colors, their signature coat is black and white.
These horses are also known for their unique ability to grow a mustache. See our funny horse mustache article here to see photos of their facial hair and to find out the surprising evolutionary reason why they grow them!
These spectacular horses, also referred to as the Gypsy Cob or Irish Cob, stand out both in and out of the show ring.
Whether driving, English, or western disciplines, Gypsy Vanners are a sight to behold. Ideal for beginner riders, equestrians of all ages and abilities enjoy owning these unique, colorful horses.
Paint Horse
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Paint horses are famous for their beautiful coat patterns that include tobiano, over, and tovero. These different patterns can often be found in black and white, which makes for a flashy appearance and beautiful horse breed.
Though there are some Paints that are a solid color that may be registered, the majority have “natural Paint marking.” This means there is a predominant hair color with at least one contrasting area of solid white that is at least two inches and is located somewhere behind the ears and above the knees.
These stocky, colorful horses not only succeed in western disciplines, but also English disciplines as well.
Related: 11 Interesting Facts About Paint Horses
Appaloosa
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Many people recognize Appaloosa horses by their eye-catching spotted coats. There are many different coat colors in this breed, but most people are familiar with snowflake, blanket, and leopard patterns.
Appaloosas excel in both western and English disciplines. They make wonderful family horses thanks to their great demeanors. They have long been bred for their athletic ability and unique coats, which are often seen in black and white.
Pony of the Americas
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As a marvelous children’s pony, the Pony of the Americas (POA) breed is admired by many for their gentle temperaments and brilliant coats. With their roots starting with Shetland, Appaloosa and Arabian horses, the breed possesses Appaloosa coloring.
These versatile ponies are often considered to be a family breed thanks to their friendly, easy-going personalities. They are known for their refined heads and muscular, athletic builds, making them a reliable mount for kids.
Though you may see them in a variety of colors, you’ll often see black and white patterns.
American Saddlebred
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Saddlebreds are stars in the show ring and are adored by people of all ages for their look-at-me attitudes. Though they often come in bay, black and chestnut, they can be a variety of colors including pinto.
Though this versatile breed is best known for competing in saddle seat divisions, they also shine in dressage, hunter pleasure, jumping, western, and driving disciplines.
These flashy horses have a proud, upright carriage, with an arched neck and an animated way of moving. Though they may not be common black and white pinto Saddlebreds are a sight to behold.
Related: 11 Facts About the Morgan Horse Breed
Morgan
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Though Morgans are generally bay, black, or chestnut, there are some horses within the breed that have silver dapple, sabino, and black splash, which is an overo pattern, coats.
These graceful horses make wonderful mounts for people of all ages thanks to their willingness to please and gentle temperaments.
When it comes to versatility, Morgans shine as they compete in saddle seat, hunter pleasure, jumping, dressage, driving, endurance, and western disciplines.
Outside the show ring, they make fantastic working, trail, and pleasure horses. With their graceful carriage, elegant heads, arched necks, muscular and athletic bodies, and many coat colors, they stand out in the crowd.
Mustang
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Mustangs are a symbol of the American west and a true national treasure. These lovely horses can often be spotted with pinto coat patterns, which is especially stunning when they are black and white.
Each year, the Bureau of Land Management rounds up these magnificent horses and places them up for adoption.
Also read our article on the most famous wild Mustang, Picasso.
With the right training, they can become superb trail mounts and can even compete in English and western disciplines. Their sturdy builds and beautiful coat colors make them a great breed to own.
Knabstrupper
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Though some might not be familiar with this Danish breed, Knabstruppers are celebrated for their signature leopard coats.
In addition to leopard coats, they also can have a blanket, snowflake, and snowcap coat patterns, like the Appaloosa.
Their expressive heads, well-proportioned necks, and strong backs making them an excellent breed for eventing, dressage, and show jumping.
Their kind personalities and high trainability make them popular among riders young and old. They have often considered the Dalmations of the equine world thanks to their breathtaking coats.
Miniature Horse
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Miniature horses are easily one of the most adorable animals in the world. As well as being the shortest horse breed in the world, they can come in a large variety of colors, including pinto and spotted patterns.
Depending on the registry, Miniature horses will either stand 34 inches and under or 38 inches and under. However, due to the extreme breeding of miniature horses, they have long-term health problems associated with their tiny size.
As we mention in our Miniature horses vs pony differences guide, Miniature horses are bred to be the same proportions of regular-sized light horses, only scaled down. They make wonderful horses to own, as their kind personalities shine through, whether for showing or as a companion.
Also, read our fascinating guide on the new Miniature Gypsy Vanner horse.
Shetland Pony
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Shetlands have become popular driving ponies and riding mounts for small youth riders. These precious ponies can come in many coat colors, including black and white pinto.
Standing up to 42 inches tall, Shetlands are hardy, well-rounded ponies. Originally used in coal mines, they are now used for showing and as companions. They are cherished by horse-lovers all over the world.
Tennesee Walking Horse
Famous for their smooth running walk, Tennessee Walking horses are well-loved by riders of all experience levels. This elegant breed can come in many color variations, including the pinto patterns overo, tobiano, and sabino.
From showing to trail riding, Tennessee Walking horses are a favorite among gaited horse lovers. They are highly versatile and are comfortable to ride.
From their unique coat colors to their smooth gaits, they stand out wherever they go.
Related: 8 Facts About Tennessee Walking Horses
Icelandic Horse
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Icelandic horses have long been treasured by the people of Iceland. Most famous for their tolt and flying pace gait, they are also known for the vibrant color patterns that can be found within the breed, including many shades of pinto.
These small yet sturdy horses are popular mounts for both children and adults. They are a hardy breed, capable of surviving the harsh weather that Iceland can have. Their kind, friendly personalities make them great to work with.
Shire
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Shire horses hold a special place in the heart of many horse lovers. Commonly having a black or bay coat, they are often seen at county fairs or in Disney films such as Brave.
Widely regarded as the largest breed of horse, they were traditionally bred in England for pulling farm machinery, barges, and other industrial machines.However, since the advent of motor-driven machinery, Shire horse populations have steadily declined over time and it is believed less there are less than 600 worldwide. Shires’ are now considered a rare and endangered horse breed.
Related: 9 Interesting Facts About Shire Horses
source: horseyhooves.com
