Photographing a Minimal White Paint—Face White

The white on a horse's face can be a qualifying spot, allowing the animal to be registered in the Regular Registry. However, as with body spots on minimal white horses, face white must meet specific requirements to qualify.

Measuring White from a Blaze

The white from a blaze must extend beyond a reference line drawn from the base of the ear--the extreme outside bottom corner--to the corner of the horse's mouth. The white past the reference line must measure more than 2 inches either horizontally or vertically.

When shooting these photos it is important that you get the best shot possible. Take these photos in the morning or late afternoon. Keep the sun to your back so the horse's profile is well illuminated.

Photos showing face white must be taken directly from the side. Only one of the horse's eyes should be visible. If there is any long hair distorting the face white, it should be removed.

To give yourself every advantage, be sure the horse has its ears forward when you take the photo. This puts the base of the ear, the point from which the reference line is drawn, in a more-forward position. Place a carpenter's tape measure, or any type of measuring instrument that clearly shows inch designations, in proximity to the face white to indicate length or width.

Once the Registration Department receives this photo, the reference line described earlier is drawn and checked to see that the white extends--either horizontally or vertically--for more than 2 inches once it passes the line. Do not draw the reference line yourself.

White Extending from the Chin

When measuring white on a Paint's chin, the reference line from the base of the ear to the corner of the mouth is drawn, then that line is extended from the corner of the mouth, under the chin, to the opposite corner of the mouth.

This line falls about where a curb strap would lie.

In this area of the horse's face, the white must extend more than 2 inches either horizontally along the reference line, or vertically toward the horse's body.

The rules for taking these photos are the same as those mentioned earlier. Because the base of the ear and the corner of the mouth are such vital reference points, be sure they are both clearly visible in the photos you send.

If you have any questions about the photos needed to register your horse, feel free to call the APHA at (817) 834-2742, extension 788.

This is an example of the shots needed to document face white. The imaginary reference line runs under the chin from the right corner of the mouth to the left corner.