Post by Hattie on Jan 18, 2012 17:54:27 GMT -5
So, you want to learn about leg markings hrm? Well if that's the case there are a few horsey terms you'd do well to know.
The coronet is where the hoof connects with the pastern, if that was unclear.
Now, onto leg markings, coronets, feltlocks, socks, and stockings! These alone do not require any special genes to appear. They are simply white hairs growing over pink skin on the legs that, though to some degree are hereditary, have no specific gene.
However, certain combinations or characteristics of these markings can be caused by certain paint genes; we'll delve into that more later. First up:
Coronet
( or half-coronet for that matter)
A coronet is white marking that is just above the hoof, usually no more than an inch tall. A partial coronet, as the name implies, only goes part way around the hoof. This marking requires no special genetics, whether your horse has one coronet, or four. Be careful not to mistake a partial fetlock for a coronet
Partial Fetlock. See the white trailing up the back?
Fetlock
Much like the coronet, a fetlock is exactly what the name implies - a white marking that extends up to the fetlock, but not above.
Sock
A sock is a white marking that extends above the fetlock up to about mid cannon. Socks do not require genes but if you have, say, four socks coupled with lots of white on the face, you may have some paint genes on your hands!
Stocking
A stocking extends anywhere from about mid-cannon to the hock or knee, or even up to the gaskin or foreleg. Now, on the genetic end, if you have one or two stockings, you still likely have nothing special genetically. Now, if you have three stockings, especially if your horse also has white on their face, it's very likely a paint gene in action. Now, if you have a horse with four stockings, you probably have a minimal tobiano, sabino, or a minimal splash/overo (if they have a bald face); horses simply can't express that much white without a paint gene.
For example:
Bay Sabino - Not what you typically think of as a Sabino huh? But he is, another way you can tell is my the hint of pink skin on his bottom lip.
Seal Bay Minimal Tobiano - Another one that might be a bit unexpected. Sneaky paints are sneaky with their paint gene hiding stockings. :3
Other Markings
Distal Spots
or Ermine spots if you prefer
Distal spots are just dark spots of the horses underlying color that appear along the coronet.
Knee Spots
These neat little spots are caused by the sabino gene.
False Markings
These are NOT socks. This mule has the pangare or mealy gene which causes her to have light points (flank, elbow, lower legs, muzzle, ears, etc). If you see a chestnut or palomino with indistinct faded at the top of "socks" then it's likely the pangare gene at work rather than true socks. Foals can also have lighter feet that are not true stockings and disappear as they mature.
