College of Veterinary Medicine - Cornell University

Equine Identification- Colors and Markings

The accurate description of coat color and white markings is the most common method used to identify horses. Although there is some regional or breed variation in the terminology used, the basic terminology is fairly standard.

Coat color and white markings are genetically determined and, as a result, the variations are almost unlimited.

They can include:

	White markings on the head
	White markings on the legs
	Other Identifying Marks

 

For more information on coat colors see also:
The Arabian Horse Association

For more information on coat colors and their inheritance refer to:
Coat Color Genetics (Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, UC Davis)

For information on the distinction between breeds of horses, refer to:
Breeds of Livestock (Oklahoma State University Dept. of Animal Science)
"Breeds of the World" from the International Museum of the Horse, The Kentucky Horse Park