Identifying Markings on Horses

Using Body Color in Horses

Solid horse colors include bay, black, brown, chestnut (or sorrel), buckskin, gray, white, and palomino. If a horse is roan, owners are encouraged to specify whether it is a blue or red roan. If the horse has a paint or pinto color pattern, owners should specify whether it is overo or tobiano and the base body color (black, brown, chestnut, or bay). Owners should record the base color and the coat pattern for appaloosa coloring. For example, use descriptive terms, such as "A dark bay Appaloosa with a white blanket and spots that extend up to the withers and a mottled muzzle." Specific breed associations have different ways of characterizing the coloring of a horse.

Identification Using Head Markings

Equine head markings include any white markings visible on the horse's head.
A horse can have one type of head marking or a combination of several types.

Identification Using Leg Markings

Leg markings include any white markings visible on the horse's legs. Each
leg can have a different marking description, and the owner must describe
these markings because it gives the horse more individuality and makes it easier to
identify.

 Resource: Cornell University Cooperative Extension CCE Equine