I bought this horse from a friend who purchased him at an Ocala auction. He came with no papers and no history. But I liked his friendly and easy going nature, his gaits were not too awful, I could handle him, and he fit my pocketbook. And, I must admit, I thought he looked really cool. He is definitely one of a kind.

Normally with geldings I don't worry too much about papers. But with this horse, I thought it would be fun to try to get him registered. I had heard that some breed clubs have what they call "hardship" clauses. This means that even if you don't have papers to prove parentage, if the horse is a gelding or a spayed mare, and it displays the characteristic of the breed or color, that it can be registered.

So I'm looking at my horse and thinking, "Yep. He definitely looks Appaloosa. Mottled skin, striped hooves, leopard coat. He's an App."

And then I look at him and think, "Overo or Tobiano? ( terms for two types of paint markings) Not certain, but he's definitely a Pinto and one of those types."

The Appaloosa Breed Registry and clubs won't take him because of his paint markings. And the Paint/Pinto Registry and clubs won't take him because of his Appaloosa markings! Both of these registries will take crosses of other breeds and types, but not paint to appaloosa or appaloosa to paint. Why, I'm not sure. If any of you readers out there really know why I would love to to hear from you.

I didn't find the Pintalossa Registry of the World, but something even better. It's called the International Spotted Horse Registry or ISHR.

The ISHR Registry is based strictly on color. The horse can be any breed, any size, any type; as long as your horse has the right kind of spots, it can be registered.

"The ISHR Registry was designed to benefit, support, and meet the needs of ALL spotted horse owners who want their equines to be recognized for their colorful beauty and patterns. From Draft to miniatures, purebloods or grades, from show champions to family pets, Paints, Pintos, and Appaloosas. All are welcome."

I can't tell you how excited I was to have found ISHR. All ISHR registration certificates include a color photograph of your horse, so there is no mistake or confusion with the right papers going with the right horse. They have a newsletter, a "Ride and/or Drive" award program, Achievement Certificates, a Show Point Award program and a new ROM program. The ISHR also outlines how to get local shows sanctioned by the ISHR to offer ISHR classes, ribbons, and awards.

Besides the Web, you can also reach them at ISHR P.O. Box 412, Anderson, MO 64831. Or email ishrppa@aol.com.

With the ISHR I was able to double register my horse after all, as both an Appaloosa and a Paint. And what did I end up naming my horse?
'Easy to Spot', of course!!!