What causes white markings in horses?

White markings in horses result from the lack of melanocytes in the skin and hairs. The trait is characteristic of most breeds of domestic horses. In the breeding of the Polish Konik horse, which should resemble its wild ancestors, the lack of white markings was accepted as a selection criterion.

What is the mark on a horses leg?

From tallest to shortest, common leg markings are: Stocking: white marking that extends at least to the bottom of the knee or hock, sometimes higher. Sock: white marking that extends higher than the fetlock but not as high as the knee or hock. This marking is sometimes called a “boot.”

Which leg marking is a white marking around the coronet just above the hoof?

Ermine spots are tiny spots of the coat color that show up on a white marking near the coronet band just above the hoof.

How do you treat fungus in horses legs?

First clean the area with a general antifungal antiseptic, such as chlorhexidine, then dry thoroughly before applying an antifungal ointment or medication. Repeat the treatments until the infection is resolved. Exposure to air and sunshine will also help kill the fungi.

What are Birdcatcher spots?

Birdcatcher spots – small, random white spots over the body that appear spontaneously with no relation to injury or skin damage. Named for a Thoroughbred who bore them, Birdcatcher spots tend to run in families but are not yet genetically linked to any breed.

What are white faced horses called?

What is a Bald Face Horse? Bald face, sometimes called white face markings, are the most dramatic type of horse facial marking.

How do you get rid of fungal infection in horses?

Fluconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole are just some of the most common antifungal medications that are prescribed to horses. Also, topical medications such as nystatin or miconazole are used for some cutaneous and subcutaneous fungal infections.

Are Birdcatcher spots rare?

Birdcatcher spots are a rare genetic trait in horses. Birdcatcher spots are named for the Irish-born Thoroughbred stallion Birdcatcher (1833), who had these markings on his flank and above his tail. So, it’s basically a genetic thing, that randomly appears in horses of all kinds.

What is a brindle horse?

Brindle is a rare color pattern of stripes and unusual hair texture in horses. The unique coloring often looks like dark paint spilled over the horse. However, the cause of this distinctive coat pattern isn’t wholly understood, but there is evidence linking it to genetics.

Is a perlino horse rare?

The cremello is a rare horse and should not be confused with an albino. Many people cite their blue eyes, pink noses, and light coat when referring to them as albinos. However, albino horses have no pigment and are clearly white. You will easily notice that cremello horses are cream and therein lies the distinction.

What are leg markings on horses?

Leg markings are usually described by the highest point of the horse’s leg that is covered by white. As a general rule, the horse’s hoof beneath a white marking at the coronary line will also be light-colored (“white”).

What is a horse with a white face?

Probably the most common face marking, the blaze is found on horses of every breed & color. It is a broad white stripe down the middle of a horses face, generally starting at the forehead & running all the way to the nose, or mouth. The snip is a small white marking between a horses nostrils.

What are horse markings?

Markings on horses are usually distinctive white areas on an otherwise dark base coat color. Most horses have some markings, and they help to identify the horse as a unique individual. Markings are present at birth and do not change over the course of the horse’s life.