All definitions are taken from the APHA, and will be strictly adhered to.
Tobiano
(pronounced: tow be yah' no)
"The dark color usually covers one or both flanks. Generally, all four legs are white, at least below the hocks and knees. Typically, the spots are regular and distinct as ovals or round patterns that extend down over the neck and chest, giving the appearance of a shield. Head markings are like those of a solid-colored horse--solid, or with a blaze, strip, star or snip. A tobiano may be either predominantly dark or white. The tail is often two colors."
Overo
(pronounced: oh vair' oh)
"The white usually will not cross the back of the horse between its withers and its tail. Generally, at least one and often all four legs are dark. Typically, the white is irregular, and is rather scattered or splashy. Head markings are distinctive, often bald-faced, apron-faced or bonnet-faced. An overo may be either predominantly dark or white. The tail is usually one color."
Tovero
(pronounced: tow vair' oh)
"Dark pigmentation around the ears, which may expand to cover the forehead and/or eyes. One or both eyes usually blue. Dark pigmentation around the mouth, which may extend up the sides of the face and form spots. Chest spot(s) in varying sizes. These may also extend up the neck. Flank spot(s) ranging in size. These are often accompanied by smaller spots that extend forward across the barrel, and up over the loin. Spots, varying in size, at the base of the tail."
Breedstock
"The horse has no white patches aside from leg and facial markings."
Acceptable Coat Colors
These are the only colors accepted within the RPHA.
| Black | Bay | Brown |
| Bay Roan | Blue Roan | Buckskin |
| Dun | Gray | Grullo |
| Perlino | Chestnut | Cremello |
| Palomino | Red Dun | Red Roan |
| Sorrel |
Not sure what pattern your horse is?
If you're not sure what pattern your horse is, you're encouraged to send an email to the association, including at least one photo (the more photos the better our chances of correctly identifying the color and pattern), and fill out the following form:
Your Name:
Email:
Horse Name:
Age:
Photos:
Payment
There is a charge of $35.00 for every horse you send for pattern identification. If you send five horses or more, you can receive the discounted rate of only $20.00 per horse. We encourage our members to use this new service, owners that improperly register their horses risk being fined or having their horse's registration revoked.