Girl and Her Spotted Pony coloring page

About this coloring page

This spotted pony has a coat that really stands out, and real horses can be covered in spots too. Those patterns come from genes passed down from the parents, just like eye color in people.

The best-known spotted breed is the Appaloosa, an American horse closely tied to the Nez Perce people of the Pacific Northwest, who were famous for breeding strong, fast, tough horses. An Appaloosa might be spotted all over, have a white blanket of spots only over its hips, or show tiny freckles on a pale coat. Many also have striped hooves and white around the eyes.

Other horses wear much bigger patches. Paint and pinto horses mix large white areas with colored ones, and spotted ponies turn up in many small breeds, which helps explain why they are so popular at kids’ riding programs.

Spots or no spots, a pony needs the same care as any horse: hay or pasture, fresh water, exercise and regular brushing. The girl in this picture is wearing a helmet and boots, the basic safety gear for riding, and says hello to her pony before climbing on.

• spotted pony
• horses
• appaloosa
• horseback riding
• kids