Animal farm

Happy early New Year to all of you reading this blog! Have you sent in your Paint markings yet? If you add it to your list of resolutions, I bet you'll be able to check it off! And for those of you with mares expecting a visit from the stork this year, feel free to email (mlarson@apha.com) or mail (Megan Larson, 2800 Meacham, Fort Worth TX 76137) photos of the new bundle of joy and it's fancy markings!

Until I receive those wonderful pictures of yours, I'll share a page full of markings fit to fill a zoo!

First up is Noti, Oregon, resident Christabeth Voss' 2006 chestnut tobiano mare Zips Two Chess, with her best friend tagging right along her side! "I was delighted to see the puppy on [Jewel Of Chex's] filly when she was born," writes breeder Kay Pynch. "We named her Zip Two Chess, but thought it should have been Doggie In The Window."

Maybe it's not only a man's best friend after all!

Now for an animal that spends a little more of its time in frigid temperatures. Here is Miss Gorgeous In Gold, a 2007 black tobiano mare. Can you tell what animal she hangs out with?

" 'Gorgeous' has a penguin on her face," writes owner Cheryl Birch of Aldergrove, British Columbia, Canada. "The tail is by her nose, the head is up by her eye and the beak is over Gorgeous' eye. Everyone said I should have named her Happy Feet after the penguin movie!"

Another cool fact about this mare: Several months later she was on the set of the TV show "Smallville."

If you're looking for a Paint Horse with some international appeal, check out Sonnys King, owned by Alexandra Giacalone of Haunwang, Germany! "My Paint Horse gelding 'King' has a puma on his left side, I found!" writes Alexandra of her 1998 sorrel tobiano gelding.

I don't know if there are large puma populations in Europe, but I know I can find at least one!

Have you ever heard of the 'bunny hop,' or maybe you've done it yourself? I'm thinking this little tyke hasn't, but he sure has a friend to teach him how! This is Tabus Classy Rab, a 2008 chestnut tobiano gelding owned by Kathy Callahan of Medford, Oregon. Kathy writes, "The marking on his hip and flank area looks like a rabbit sitting down."

Of course, we can't forget this little field mouse! See if you can find it on Lady Billing NFB, a 2004 sorrel overo mare owned by Kimberly Mallmann of Montello, Wisonsin.

Give up?

" 'Bella' has a mouse under the brand on her hip," writes Kimberly. "The barn cats sleep in her stall all night. I think it may have something to do with the fact that she always has a mouse on her!"