Photographing a Minimal White Paint

The photos needed to accompany the registration papers of an obviously-marked Paint are pretty straight-forward. Four photos–one from each side and the front and back, provide positive identification of your horse as well as the photo permanently affixed to the registration certificate.
But what about the not-so-obviously marked Paint? When shooting photos of minimal-white horses, you must provide an additional set of photos. These additional shots show the Registration Department exactly where the qualifying white area is, that it meets size requirements, and that the area has underlying unpigmented skin.
Up Close and Personal
Photographs of small qualifying spots on a horse’s body must be sharp, clear closeups. Because these spots are sometimes found in difficult-to-see areas, such as the horse’s abdomen, photos may prove difficult to get without first tranquilizing the horse.
Also, because fractions of an inch may mean the difference between Regular or Solid Paint Bred registration, it is important that the area be thoroughly cleaned before beginning the photo session.
Photographing a Minimal White Paint—Body White
Photographs of small qualifying spots on a horse’s body must be sharp, clear close-ups. Because these spots are sometimes found on difficult-to-see areas, such as the horse’s abdomen, photos may prove difficult to get without first tranquilizing the horse. The Registration Department requires photos of the qualifying body spot on your horse.
Photo 1
This shot is a close-up of the qualifying spot. The photo must clearly show the outside perimeter of the white spot. If the horse is wearing a thick winter coat, you must clip the long hair so the edges of the spot are clearly seen. Don’t completely remove all the hair.  This photo should also show the location of the spot on the horse’s body.
Photo 2
This photograph shows the dimensions of the spot when compared to a ruler or tape measure. According to the APHA rulebook, for inclusion in the Regular Registry a horse must have a body spot exceeding two inches in diameter. The spot can be round, vertical or horizontal. Long hair should be clipped, so that the perimeter of the spot is clearly visible. If using a ruler or tape measure, be sure the numbers are clearly in focus and are easily read.
Send these photos in with your original four registration photos.
As with any photo you send to APHA for registration purposes, do not trim or mark on the image. Write the dam’s name and foaling year on a self-adhesive label and stick that on the back of the photo.
If you have any questions about the photos needed to register your horse, feel free to call the APHA MemberCare Department at (817) 222-6423.

Photo 1

These pictures demonstrate the three photographs required to register a minimally-colored Paint with a body spot. They include: 1) Close-up of the spot. Note that if the horse is wearing a thick winter coat the long hair must be clipped so the edges of the spot clearly show. Make sure the horse is clean so there is no doubt about the spot’s size or shape. 2) Close-up showing the spot in relation to a ruler or tape measure with clearly legible markings. The spot must extend beyond the ring, and may do so either horizontally or vertically. These photos are sent to APHA in addition to the four standard registration photos.