You might have seen pictures of horses being painted, and wondered how you can do something like that on your own horse. It can be a fun and cute activity, but you need to make sure that you use the right materials. Not all paints are safe for use on horses, so you need to be sure you make the right choice of paint.
So, is acrylic paint safe for horses? While acrylic paint is non-toxic, it’s not recommend to be used on a horse. Your best choice will be tempera paints. That’s because they are non-toxic, water-based, and can easily wash off. Acrylic paints tend to be more permanent and you will have a hard time removing the paint from the fur.
Luckily, there are other paints available that will work even better for painting your horse. As we mentioned, tempera paint or chalk paint is the better choice because they are water-based, non-toxic, and wash off incredibly easy. You might even be able to find a paint specifically designed for use on horses. Let’s read on to find out more!
What Paint Can I Use to Paint My Horse?

When you are trying to decide what paint you should use on your horse, it is essential that you choose a safe one. The best and most popular paint option is going to be tempera paint. It is so gentle that preschoolers can use it, and it washes off much easier than other types of paints.
You will also find that most glitter products are non-toxic and safe for use on animals. However, if the glitter is already mixed with a liquid, such as a paint, you will want to check the label to make sure none of the ingredients are toxic.
If you have time to wait, there are several different horse paints that you can purchase online. These paints are specifically designed to be used on horses. This means that they are non-toxic, gentle on the skin, and easy to rinse off. This is the best option, next to tempera, if you have time to wait for it to come in the mail.
Tail Tamer is paint that is specifically formulated to be used on horses and ponies. It’s non-toxic and washes off pretty easily.
You might also be able to find livestock paint. These paints are also designed specifically to be used on animals and are typically used by farmers to identify their cattle. This paint doesn’t wash off easily because it is designed to last through outdoor weather, so keep this in mind before you choose this option.
How Do You Paint Horse Hooves?

There are several reasons that you might want to paint the hooves of your horse. When you do paint their hooves, it is important to make sure you are doing it properly, especially if you are painting them for a show.
Just like specific paints for animals, there are specific paints designed for use on horse hooves. This can be a hoof polish or hoof paint. You will also want to make sure you can easily remove the hoof paint, which can be done with a hoof polish remover. This will significantly reduce the time needed to remove the paint from the hooves.
The first thing you need to do is make sure the hooves are clean. Wash the hooves like you normally do and let them dry completely before you try to add the paint. When the hooves are no longer wet, you can start applying the paint.
I recommend using Twinkle Toes Paint and Polish. They’re a great brand with non-toxic products that will give your horse’s hooves a unique look.
There is no right or wrong way to paint the hooves of a horse, but you do want to be careful to avoid dripping. You should try to paint in thin, even layers and add more paint when necessary. Horse hooves need to breathe, and thicker layers of paint can prevent them from getting adequate oxygen.
It will be best to paint the hooves of your horse the night before the event you are taking them to. This will give you plenty of time to ensure that the paint looks good while giving the horse plenty of time to get used to it.
What Are Pony Painting Parties?

You might have heard of something called a pony painting party, but what exactly is it? It is quite literally a party where the attendees paint ponies with non-toxic paints. The attendees painting the ponies are usually children, but adults can participate as well.
There is a ton of controversy over pony painting parties. It is seen as cruel and unfair to the ponies to be decorated. The act of several children painting a pony at one time can be incredibly stressful to the animal and potentially dangerous to the children and pony. They are easily spooked, and one wrong move from a child can set them off and lead to injury.
Some people will even argue that a pony painting party is teaching children that it is okay to disrespect animals if it means making them happy.
Best Paints for Painting a Horse
One brand of paint that is great for horses is called Tail Tamer. They have so many different paint options available, and they are designed specifically to be used on a horse. They have solid colors, neon, and glitters. The paint combs or washes straight out of the horse’s hair when you are finished.
Another great option is Warren London Critter Color. This is a non-permanent pet paint that will usually wash out after a few baths, or fade on its own over a couple of weeks. When the paint is dry, it won’t rub off on fabric or other parts of the horse’s hair. The colors show up bright on lighter coats and there are seven colors available.
If you need paint now, your best option is going to be tempera paint. This paint is washable and non-toxic, so it is completely safe to use on your horse. The colors offered are vibrant and have a smooth consistency. The paint dries matte and can even be used to create different effects on the horse.
Another great option for tempera paint is the Crayola washable tempera paint. They have metallic colors and solid colors, making it easy to paint your horse exactly how you want. Crayola paints also wash off incredibly easy, so you don’t have to worry about your horse being painted for weeks.
Final Thoughts
There are several reasons why you might want to paint your horse. No matter what the reason is, you need to make sure you are using the right type of paint. It is essential that you use a non-toxic and water-based paint to ensure the safety of your horse. Acrylic paint might seem like a good idea for painting your horse, but you should avoid it.
The best paints will be ones that are either designed specifically for use on horses or animals. You will usually need to order these, so they are not the best option if you need the paint right away. Another option that you can pick up in a store is tempera paint. These paints are incredibly safe and wash off easily, making them the perfect option for painting your horse.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your horse is safely painted, and turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!