Meet Tanner.
The Paint Who Paints
Tanner is an American Paint Horse, AKA “Paint” with a very unique talent - painting! Yes, he really does paint. He has been trained to hold a paint brush and touch it to canvas. His owner, Verity, got the idea to teach him when she noticed him picking things up and making sweeping gestures - almost like he was trying to paint! Tanner loves his time learning tricks and gets treat rewards for choosing to paint. Here are some of his paintings:
Sales from Tanner’s paintings help benefit organizations that support horses in need, and equine therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did you teach Tanner to Paint?
By rewarding baby steps. For example, rewarding him for sniffing his paint brush first, then picking it up, then holding it for longer and longer. Eventually he learned not to drop it and to touch it to a specific place. He now understands how to take the brush, paint for a few seconds, and hand the brush back. After he does a little painting, he gets a treat.
Does Tanner Know Any Other Tricks?
In addition to painting, Tanner knows how to fetch, and to come when called with a whistle.
What kind of paint does he paint with?
We use non-toxic water-based tempera paint and a large brush that he can easily hold. He hasn’t learned to pick his own colors but who knows what the future holds ;)
How long does it take Tanner to do one painting?
It takes between five and fifteen minutes. We keep his trick training sessions very short so he never becomes bored or frustrated.
Is Tanner trained to ride?
Yes! He’s a talented horse that has worked in many disciplines including dressage, cow work, reining, and is currently competing in trail obstacle courses!
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Tanner’s work is a celebration of imagination and the magic of horses. What do you see in his paintings? A portion of all our proceeds are donated to help rescue horses.
