Palomino - horses for sale

Origin and history of breeding Palominos

There is evidence that golden horses were known in ancient times. It’s not surprising that horses of this colour would become associated with various sun gods in their chariots. The Greeks, for instance, used the term “Xanthos”, meaning blond or golden, to describe one of a pair of immortal horses given to the hero Achilles to use in his chariot. The Turkmen Akhal-Teke breed of horse is known for the astonishing polished gold appearance of its coat, and so it seems likely that horses of this colour would be prized across Eurasia in ancient times. Modern Palominos can be traced with some confidence to the reign of Queen Isabella of Spain (1599 – 1600) who is said to have cherished horses of this colour. Palominos first bore the name “Isabellas” in recognition of this, and are later said to have acquired their alternative name in the New World in honour of the Spanish nobleman Juan de Palomino. However, the term Isabella to describe a pale yellow colour is known to have existed before the reign of Queen Isabella, and it has also been suggested that the name comes from a variety of golden grape.

Palominos in equestrianism

Showy Palominos are always the stars of any parade! Trigger, one of the horses belonging to Roy Rogers, is probably the most famous Palomino. Standing 15.3 hands (63 inches, 160 cm) high, Trigger was 31 when he died. Mr Ed, the Talking Horse, was another celebrity Palomino who achieved fame on TV. Today, some of the best Palominos are also representatives of outstanding breeds such as Morgan and Quarter Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses and American Saddlebreds. The favourite horse of Elvis Presley was Rising Sun, a Palomino Quarter Horse.