A Paint Horse's questions for a sitter revolve around that spectacular coat. Beneath the bold patches, a Paint carries pink, unpigmented skin under every white marking, and that skin burns, peels, and draws flies in ways a solid horse's does not. Paints are also stock horses at heart, generally sensible and people-oriented, which makes it easy for a sitter to relax and miss the skin and identity details that matter most. Ask the questions that test whether this sitter sees the horse inside the pattern.
How will the sitter protect the white markings and pink skin?
Ask the sitter to show you they understand which parts of your Paint are vulnerable. The white blaze, the pale muzzle, white legs, and any patch over the back or neck sit on pink skin that sunburns quickly, especially in a horse turned out through the middle of the day. Ask how turnout will be timed, whether shade is available in the paddock at all hours, and whether the sitter will apply the sun protection you already use, on the schedule you already follow, rather than substituting their own approach. Ask about flies as well: biting insects target pink skin and healing patches, so ask how the sitter will check for raw, weeping spots on white areas and report them to you the same day rather than waiting for your return.
Can the sitter use the pattern to identify and inspect this horse?
Ask the sitter to describe your Paint's markings back to you. That pattern is a built-in identity card: no two Paints match, and a sitter who can describe the patches can confirm at a glance they have the right horse and can spot what is new. Ask whether they will run the same visual check daily, comparing both sides, because a fresh cut, swelling, or patch of hair loss shows differently against white and colored coat. Ask them to photograph your horse on day one, from both sides, so any change during the stay can be compared honestly. This matters most if your Paint is kept with other patterned horses, where a careless sitter can genuinely catch up, feed, or treat the wrong animal.
How will feeding, hooves, and daily handling run?
Ask how the sitter will keep your Paint's feed and hay exactly as you leave it, since stock-type horses are often easy keepers and extra feed from an affectionate sitter fattens them quietly. Ask about the daily hoof pick and leg check: white legs show mud, scratches, and minor swelling clearly if someone bothers to look, and a sitter should be checking pasterns for the crusty irritation that thrives in damp conditions. Ask how the horse will be led and handled; most Paints are calm and halter-broken to a high standard, but ask the sitter never to tie by a rope around the neck or leave a halter on in turnout unless that is your stated routine. Confirm gates and fencing suit a solidly built stock horse that may lean on a gate while watching for dinner.
What should make the sitter call you or the vet?
Ask the sitter to name their thresholds before you leave. For a Paint, a sunburned muzzle that blisters, a white leg that swells, a patch of skin that turns crusty or sore, going off feed, or signs of colic such as pawing, rolling, and looking at the flank all justify a same-day call to you, and colic signs or a horse that stops eating and drinking mean your veterinarian gets called immediately. Make sure the sitter has the vet's number, knows which trailer help to call if transport is needed, and has your written go-ahead to act. Note your horse's usual appetite, water intake, and turnout behavior in writing so change is visible. KinsLe's Care Pass keeps the sun plan, the pattern notes, and your vet's number together for whoever is minding your Paint, so those white patches get watched properly until you return.