base coat color. Leg markings are always named by the most proximal extent of the 

 marking on a given limb (fig. 5). Leg markings may be described by naming the 

 anatomic location of the most proximal extent of the marking (e.g., cannon) or using 

 traditional terms (e.g., sock). The anatomic terms are preferred for identification 

 purposes because not all breed registries agree on the lay terms. 



Markings that have been produced after birth are considered acquired markings. 

 Tattoos, brands, freeze marks, scars, and pin-firing marks are the most common 

 examples. The location and shape of these marks are sometimes also described as 

 markings. On plain-colored horses without natural white markings, these features 

 can be very useful along with hair whorls to identify a horse. Other variations seen 

 on the coat are not generally considered markings. Dapples are a repeating pattern 

 of slightly darker and lighter hair in small circles. Dappling is most common on grey 

 horses but may occur with any color. Dappling is not permanent but may vary in any 

 particular individual with season, nutritional status, or physical condition. For this 

 reason, dapples are not generally recorded for identification. Ticking is small spots or 

 flecks of white hair often only consisting of several adjacent white hairs that can occur 

 in the base coat. Ticking tends to increase with age. Ticking can generally be noted 

 when identify^ing a horse, but the exact location and amount of ticking may change 

 over time. 



Common White Head Markings (fig. 4) — 



• Star: A white spot or any shape found on the forehead above the rostral corner 

 of the eye. The location, size, and shape can be described or drawn in relation to 

 other structures of the face where appropriate. 



-Bordered star: Having the coat color mixed with the white hair along the 

 outer edge. 



• Strip: A white marking on top of the nasal bones starting at the eye level 

 or below and ending on or above the proximal edge of the nostrils. May be 

 connected or disconnected to a star. The width, length, and type (connected, 

 disconnected, broken) can be drawn or described as needed. Also sometimes 

 erroneously called a stripe. 



-Bordered strip: The coat color is mixed with the white hair along the 

 outer edge. 



-Broken strip: The strip is disconnected from itself at one or more points. 



• Snip: A separate white or flesh-colored marking usually found between the 

 nostrils. May extend into the nostril or to the upper or lower lip according to 

 some breed registries. 



• Upper/Lower lip, chin: White or flesh-colored markings in these areas named 

 separately by some registries. Also sometimes called a chin spot or patch. 



• Star/Strip/Snip/Upper/Lower Lip Connected: Any of the adjacent 

 combinations of these markings may be described as connected when they touch. 



Figure A — White markings 

 on the head ofequids are 

 named according to their 

 location. Many combina- 

 tions of connected or 

 disconnected markings are 

 possible (e.g., "strip, snip" or 

 "star, strip snip connected"). 



11-13 



