The Dogwood guide to equine markings

Home -> Articles -> Equine markings

When flicking through the horse for sale ads it is likely that you will have a horse breed and a range of preferred equine colours and markings in mind.

Whether you are considering buying a thoroughbred, a draught breed or a Dartmoor pony, horses and ponies display a varied array of distinctive markings.

Both equine coat colours and markings are determined by the horse's genes, half of which are inherited from the sire (father) and the other half from the dam (mother). These genes act together to produce a multitude of variation in pigmentation.

Equine markings tend to change over time and with the seasons. They are distinguishing features and are often referred to when describing your horse for registration or applying for a passport.

Markings may also be mentioned when describing an animal in a horse for sale ad. However, these markings have been given specific names which those new to the equestrian community may not yet be familiar with. Here is a guide to help you determine what equine markings actually are:

Facial markings

Blaze - broad white stripe down the middle of the face, covering the forehead and extending towards the mouth
Glass eye - blue eye with a glassy look to it, also called China Eye
Interrupted stripe - narrow white stripe down the middle of the face that is not continuous
Lower lip - white marking on the lower lip and/or chin
Snip - white patch on the muzzle, usually between the nostrils
Star - white patch on the forehead
Stripe - narrow stripe (no wider than the nasal bone) down the middle of the face
Upper lip - white marking below the nostrils and on the upper lip
White face - white covering the forehead and front of the face, also called bald face

Leg markings

Coronet - white hair just above the hoof
Distal leg spots -spots of colour that occur in the white on the leg above the ankle and within other white spots on the legs
Ermine marks - spots of colour on the white just above the hoof
Heel - white from the back of the pastern to the ergot
Sock - white marking that extends to just above the fetlock joint
Stocking - white mark that extends as high as the knee or hock
Pastern - white marking that extends just a few inches above the top of the hoof

Premium equine tack and equestrian wear at Dogwood

Once you have perused the horses for sale and are ready to make a purchase you may wish to consider kitting your horse out in premium horse tack from the Dogwood collection.

Our collection features equine bridles, bits, reins and saddles made from the finest leathers and synthetics and crafted by expert manufacturers from around the globe such as Collegiate, Crosby, Stubben, Bates and Wintec.

We also offer an outstanding selection of jodhpurs, riding hats, jackets and riding boots suitable for men, women and children, no matter what their preferred horse riding activity.

Or if you enjoy walking, stalking and hunting, you may wish to check out our fine range of country clothing and all-weather outdoor wear.

To enquire about any of our premium equine tack, equestrian wear or fine country clothing please call 0800 30 10 365.

For more information on horses for sale please see:

The Dogwood guide to equine colours

Horses for sale - Are you ready to be a horse owner?

Making the right decision on a horse for sale

Advice for buying a horse over the internet

Vetting a horse for sale

Site Design by