With roots that can be traced to the mounts of European explorers and the wild horses of North America, it is no wonder that the pinto horse has always captured people's attention. Favored by both Native Americans and the cowboys of the west, they were prized for their strength and hardiness. The Pinto is a very diverse breed that comes in several types and sizes ranging from miniatures and ponies to full-size horses, but all have the characteristics overo or tobiano coat pattern. A horse with the overo coat pattern has jagged patches of white markings, which rarely cross over the back.