Incorporated in 1956, the Pinto Horse Association of America was formed to encourage the promotion of quality horses,
ponies and miniatures with color and to establish a registry for maintaining their show records and pedigrees. The PtHA® has evolved through the years and now has three separate registries: the Color Registry, the Solid Registry, and the Long Ear registry. All equines, no matter the size or breeding, can now qualify to be registered in one of the three PtHA® Registries. With a variety of classes and programs for every level of horseman, PtHA® has a “SPOT” for everyone. Currently, the association serves approximately 88,000 members and boasts more than 157,000 registered Pintos.
Join Us at Convention!
The 2025 PtHA Convention is coming to Oklahoma City, February 27 – March 1 at the Embassy Suites Airport OKC. The convention is a chance for PtHA members to help decide the future of the Pinto Horse Association. Issues affecting the equine industry and the association will be discussed.
There will be committee meetings, Board of Director and Executive Committee meetings, Show Management and Field Representative Seminars. The Pinto Heritage Foundation Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and auction will be held Friday evening.
You are always welcome to share your views and comments regarding issues that affect PtHAwith the PtHA directors. A list of your directors and their contact can be found here, Click Here
To register for the 2025 PtHA Convention or for more details, Click Here
Updated November 22nd, 2024
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Pinto Horse is published online four times a year: winter, spring, summer and fall. The magazine is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the breeding and performance of the Pinto horse. The magazine's purpose is to promote educational, scientific and informative material for the benefit of Pinto horse owners.
The Pinto Horse Association of America is a proud partner of Kensington and with their collaboration, we are excited to bring you an exclusive line of Pinto luggage! There is a variety of options at an affordable price, so click on the link here to view the Pinto Luggage collection and get your order in today!
Learning From a Judge
Learning From a Judge
Cindy Chilton-Moore has had a passion for judging horses her entire life. She was on the Texas A & M University horse judging team during her time in college. Her full-time horse judging career with the Pinto Horse Association began in 1985. Cindy continues to hold her judging card for multiple equine associations. She was the general manager for the Palomino Horse Breeders of America from 1985 to 2008. She has witnessed the horse show industry evolving and continuing to grow in interest.
“We must continue to be mindful to keep an entry level area to welcome people to come in and show,” said Cindy Chilton-Moore, current PtHA horse show judge. “The walk/trot division has been successful with this, and with the scoring systems, exhibitors are very educated about our industry.”
Chilton-Moore enjoys all disciplines. Her first Paint World Show holds a special memory, Chilton-Moore said. When it comes to horsemanship, Chilton-Moore gave insight on some ways to best prepare for the class.
“I support stepping off your horse and practicing on the ground,” Chilton-Moore said. “The jockey can sometimes be a challenge to the horse.”
Understanding the pattern is an important step for horsemanship Chilton-Moore explained as, “You can be disqualified for now performing the pattern correctly, it is now more critical than ever to memorize the pattern.”
A common mistake people make in horsemanship is trying to attempt to execute the pattern too quickly, Chilton-Moore said.
“When a horse is ready, they will typically take a deep breath or lick their lips,” Chilton-Moore said. “It is best to wait and be sure your horse is focused on you.”
Chilton-Moore credited the National Reining Horse Association for their description for what judges are looking for in the horse and exhibitors in all classes.
“We are looking for a horse easily guided, responsive, and that’s exciting to watch and performs without resistance under control.”
In the position of the rider, you want an elegant rider with the proper leg position, Chilton-Moore said.
“I am looking for someone who is in sync with their horse, and that, truly is horsemanship quality we should all try to achieve,” Chilton-Moore said.
For anyone interested showing Hunt Seat Equitation, Chilton-Moore suggested finding a trainer or someone in the industry who could help improve your expertise.
“Hunt Seat Equitation is a special skillset; you want to be in sync with your horse and also make sure your equipment fits your horse correctly,” Chilton-Moore said.
“A large percentage of people ride with their stirrups too long,” Chilton-Moore said. “They can’t quite manage their balance this way.”
Using a riser under the Hunt Seat saddle can help slow down the rider’s posting and the horse will lengthen their stride, Chilton-Moore said.
Showmanship can be practiced in multiple scenarios that can help prepare for the show, Chilton-Moore said.
“I suggest every time getting ready to groom your horse practice squaring them up before approaching the cross ties,” Chilton-Moore said. “Everything you do is an opportunity to practice squaring your horse up and this will become a habit for your horse.”
It is important to have be brisk when setting up before nodding to the judge because if it takes too long it is non-credit earning, Chilton-Moore explained.
When talking about the turns, Chilton-Moore explained, “The turns are a forward motion, you want to step forward before turning. You want to make a big circle for the turn, step forward and then turn and pivot.”
A key piece is also turning to look back and make sure your horse is square for each maneuver, Chilton-Moore said.
“I am looking for exhibitors that have spatial awareness who are moving slowly and gracefully,” said Chilton-Moore.
It is okay to slide your right hand down the lead shank prior to inspection and then sliding it back it up to execute the next maneuver, Chilton-Moore said.
PtHA is honored to have Chilton-Moore as a judge over the years and for the future to come. Her insight continues to give reference to exhibitors as they work toward their goals.
Horses, Donkeys and Mules. What’s the Difference?
Horses, Donkeys and Mules. What’s the Difference?
When most people think of a horse show they think of horses and riders performing in various classes competing for prizes and championship titles. But what if people were told donkeys and mules perform in the same type of classes? For most it would be hard to believe that mules and donkeys can perform in the same type of horse disciplines and perform to a high degree of difficulty.
Sharon Wellmann, a horse trainer and previous AQHA judge and chairman of ABRA Judges Committee who now resides in Conroe, Texas, had a fascination with horses from a young age. Wellman is from the east coast and growing up was always talking about riding horses.
“My grandpa bought me my first pony and then paid for my first set of riding lessons and I never looked back from there,” Wellmann said.
When she first started riding she rode hunter jumpers, but later shifted as she enjoyed riding in western events, Wellmann added. She continued to pursue a career in training horses, but followed her parents advice and received a college degree from Texas A & M, Wellmann explained.
“After college I began my career as a horse trainer, and I had clients who were going to the Pinto World Show and that is how I got involved from there,” Wellmann said.
She was excited to discuss the similarities and differences between horses, donkeys and mules. Wellmann expected to continue pursuing her passions with horses, but stumbled on an opportunity to learn more about donkeys, she added.
“One of my client’s granddaughters needed to learn how to lope a donkey and asked for my help,” Wellmann said. “The same client was also raising miniature donkeys at the time and I was sent a mule to ride, so that is how the journey began.”
After spending time with donkeys Wellmann decided she wanted to try a new direction and begin working with mules, she added.
“With training mules and donkeys it is a longer process than with horses, you can normally count on years of training and commitment,” Wellmann said.
Wellmann discussed and highlighted similarities between horses, donkeys and mules from her experience of showing all three types of equines.
“When it comes to riding everything is the same as far as feeling the equine and gaining responsiveness,” Wellmann said. “As two year-olds, donkeys and mules can start being broke to ride and in all three equines you want to maintain control, focus on their frame and quality of movement.”
Mules and Donkeys can be more stubborn in their ways and can be challenging to train and it is important to have patience, Wellmann said.
“It can be harder to gain the respect of a donkey or mule, but once you get it, they start looking to you for answers,” Wellmann. “Male mules in particular are more difficult to handle because their instincts tell them to protect themselves.”
Based on the stereotype, mules can be categorized as unintelligent equine, but Wellmann says, “I would disagree as Mules don’t easily forget, they have a different thought process than you would think.”
Although they are similar, donkeys and mules are just as equally different, Wellmann admitted.
“Mules have more athletic ability being crossed with a horse and can change in body movement more easily than donkeys,” Wellmann said.
Mules and donkeys show in the same type of classes as horses as they have the opportunity to show their strengths, Wellmann said.
“There are halter, showmanship, hunter under saddle, pleasure, obstacle driving, trail, speed events and many more classes for donkeys and mules as they can do all disciplines,” Wellmann said.
At most horse shows exhibitors like to get their horses out and lunge them in warmup arenas, but for donkeys and mules having an open round pen is the best method of exercise, Wellmann explained.
“Having more of an open space to exercise really helps,” Wellmann said. “ Donkeys and mules love the dirt so much and allowing them to run and roll in the dirt allows them to be themselves.”
More recently, exhibitors showing in the long ear divisions have brought their game as they focus on the overall quality of the presentation of the equine, Wellmann explained.
“We are showing in the same type of outfits you see people showing horses in,” Wellmann said. “Sparkles and all!”
Wellmann recognized PtHA and the Long Ear Futurity at the Color Breed Congress show coming up in November.
“I am so thankful we have the opportunity to compete in the Long Ear division as this opportunity gives our mules and donkeys credibility,” Wellmann said. “People have stopped us at shows as they are eager to learn more about showing mules and donkeys.”
The Color Breed Congress show is just around the corner. Be sure to checkout the Long Ear Futurity in conjunction with our Color Breed Congress showing starting November 4th in Tulsa, Oklahoma. You won’t want to miss it.
The Ranching Way of Life
The Ranching Way of Life
A seven-time PtHA World Champion Ranch Horse trainer and exhibitor, Christopher Dennis, has had a lot of success over recent years and continues to build his training program.
“I grew up showing Appaloosa horses, my family bred and raised Appaloosas,” said Christopher Dennis, owner of Dennis Ranch Performance Horses and 2023 PtHA Hall of Fame Professional Horsemen inductee. “Me and my sister showed as youth riders and then once I was out of the youth division I moved over to rodeo and team roping.”
In 2019 Dennis became a member of PtHA and started getting more involved in the show horse world, specifically in the ranch classes.
“We started getting involved when Appaloosas were welcomed into the solid division at PtHA,” Dennis said. He competes in all ranch disciplines, but his main three are Ranching Riding, Trail and Rail, Dennis said. “In preparing for Ranch Riding and Rail, I focus on letting my horse relax and stay forward with their movement,” Dennis said. “I try to avoid lessening or shortening their stride as this can create higher lifts in shoulders or knees and cause more suspensions.”
When getting ready for a Trail class, it is okay to ask your horse for shorter segments and strides between obstacles and throughout the pattern, Dennis explained.
When it comes to the Rail classes, exhibitors can have a lot of fun competing as there can be less pressure without a patterned course, Dennis stated. “The crowd gets really into it, especially at the extended gates,” Dennis said. “In general, the mindset doesn’t change a lot between classes or patterns; you want to ride the pattern penalty free as possible,” Dennis said.
For his clients that are beginner riders, they start by learning the fundamentals, Dennis said.
“We can work on the walk and trot for a few months before moving forward,” Dennis said. “You need control at the jog and want each gate solid before progressing.” Ranch classes continue to grow in size and popularity at horse shows, Dennis said.
When asked about why he thinks the ranch division is becoming more popular at horse shows Dennis explained, “It’s one of those divisions you can learn the fundamentals and enjoy at any point, regardless of your age.”
Competing in ranch classes does not take as much to get started and get a foot in the door at a reasonable price, Dennis said. Going further on this, he explained, “Adding the walk/trot in ranch classes has given people the opportunity to learn how to show without as much pressure to perform at the extended trot or lope.”
When judging a ranch class, judges are generally looking for a quiet and broke horse that looks easy to ride, Dennis said. “From my experience, the judges are looking at the horses and thinking which one would I pick out to go ride,” Dennis said. “You want a horse who is consistent with a willing attitude throughout the ring.”
Dennis complimented the PtHA ranch showing community by saying, “The group of people competing in ranch classes are great people, especially at pinto shows.”
People can experience mental blocks or barriers during their time showing horses. From his experience, he has seen people get nerves before showing, Dennis said.
“People can get nervous when it’s time to show and your horse can feel you getting nervous and this can be a vicious cycle,” Dennis said. It is important to recognize there is an appropriate amount of time to prepare for a show, Dennis said. “
I have seen people who didn’t prepare enough to show at their best at that point in time,” Dennis said. “Or there are people that have over prepared and this effects their performance, it’s a balance.”
Some shows provide designated schooling times where exhibitors can go into the show arena and work their horse, Dennis said.
This time is important to use and to get your horse used to the show arena, Dennis explained. “I normally work with my horses mostly outside of the show arena,” Dennis said. “Then I take them inside the show arena to let them relax, get comfortable, and make it a happy place for them.”
When looking at ranch horse prospects, the first thing to look for is how the horse moves and their conformation, Dennis said. “I always look first at the conformation of the horse because this can affect their movement,” Dennis said. “The next thing is the horse’s temperament and how well they are acting.”
He has grown to enjoy working with his clients coaching, giving lessons and looks to continue growing his program, Dennis said. “It is rewarding being able to unlock a horse’s potential alongside their rider,” Dennis said.
“I look forward to continuing to grow my program and it fills me up more to watch my clients win over even my own accomplishments,” Dennis said. Horses that can be started and introduced to the show world at a young age have a better opportunity to excel in the industry, Dennis explained. “The earlier the horse can get into a consistent training program, the higher the chances are for a better outcome,” Dennis said.
There are three ages of a horse when it is most critical to work alongside your horse, Dennis said. The first time is when they are born as they are young, more receptive to learning and to human touch, Dennis said.
“The second time is when they are weanlings and have just been separated from their mom,” Dennis said. “They are looking for a leader.” Their two-year-old year is the time to work with the horse under the saddle and to capitalize on these opportunities teaching horses how to learn correctly, Dennis said.
For anyone interested in getting involved in the ranch division, try meeting and learning from someone already in the industry, Dennis suggested.
“Find a quality professional that has emphasis or specialty in what you would like to do and that will get you further over trying to figure it out on your own,” Dennis said. Dennis looked back over his equine career and encouraged people by saying, “Never ever take your time riding or showing your horses for granted.”
Building the Foundation
The Pinto Heritage Foundation was founded to preserve and support the Pinto horse and the heritage that comes with it. Part of this includes preserving the past of the Pinto through our Pinto Heritage Museum. The museum is located in our National Office here in Bethany, Oklahoma. The Pinto Heritage Museum displays artifacts, along with other memorabilia, even before the Pinto Horse Association of America was founded in 1956.
Mahlon Bauman, a PtHA past president and currently on the Pinto Heritage Foundation board, began to get involved with the Pinto Horse Association in the 1980s. Her family was looking for a place to show horses that had a family aspect to the environment. She was involved with building the Minnesota charter. She later became a national director attending national and local pinto horse shows where she was able to find other families with the same values and interests.
“The purpose of the Pinto Heritage Foundation is to preserve the history of our breed, through the use of the Pinto Heritage Museum housed at the office headquarters,” said Mahlon Bauman, Pinto Heritage Foundation board member. “We also have an incredible scholarship program for our youth and continue to be resource for members interested in learning where we came from.”
Orren Mixer included Pintos in his artwork so Pintos can always be recognized in the world of art, Bauman said.
“We are philanthropic centered as we partner with organizations for programs and want to support those coming into our association,” Bauman said. There is satisfaction in knowing that PtHA scholarships are filled to be self-sustaining, and what they are giving helps our youth members year after year, Bauman explained.
New members were added Bauman explained, “We just welcomed Jenny LaGrange and Shaun Merkens onto the Pinto Heritage Foundation board.” Bauman also recognized Joe Grissom as he was calm and gentle when he led the Pinto Heritage Foundation over the years and filling his shoes will be hard with his passing.
Annie Giovanni has recently taken over as Pinto Heritage Foundation President and has really stepped into her new role, Bauman said. The Pinto Heritage Foundation also decided to give scholarships out to the horse judging and speech contest winners at the Pinto World Championship this summer in June, Bauman said.
“This is a new scholarship for youth, and they do not have to be seniors to receive this scholarship,” Bauman said.
Every year at convention PtHA inducts people and equine into the Pinto Hall of Fame. “We are fortunate to say several of those in our hall of fame were the first in our industry,” Bauman said.
“Being recognized into the PtHA Hall of Fame is really a great honor, as someone thought of you to nominate,” Bauman said. “Then the reviewers thought you were worthy of recognition and have made an impact in our industry.”
Bauman was PtHA president and served from 2008-2010. She served the last two-year term as president as the president’s term is now for one year.
The executive committee structure also changed, Bauman explained, “The executive committee came to consist of seven members, including the past president.”
One thing Bauman applauded in the Pinto Heritage Foundation is the utilization of the past presidents.
“After our presidential term is over, serving as the past president gives us an opportunity to still be involved,” Bauman said.
For anyone interested in starting their own scholarship program Bauman would say, “Gather all your friends and let them know about it so you can build your scholarship quickly.”
PtHA youth members appreciate everyone’s efforts and investments into their future, the scholarships really do make a difference, Bauman explained. The foundation accepts in-kind and monetary donations, Bauman explained. For further information about donations, please visit the Pinto Heritage Foundation page on our website. Bauman would like to thank the Foundation board members who show up to events and help, sit in on meetings and are committed to continuing the good work.
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