Leg Markings

[hattie]

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, fetlocks, socks, and stockings alone do not require any special genes to appear, they are simply white hair 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, but 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 to the fetlock but not above.


Sock





A sock is a white marking that extends above the fetlock, anywhere up to about mid-cannon. Socks do not require a gene, but if you have say, four socks coupled with lots of white on the face, you may have a sabino on your hands.


Stocking





A stocking extends anywhere from about mid-cannon to the hock or knee, even up to the gaskin or foreleg. Now, on the genetic end, if you have one stocking, two stockings, you still likely have nothing genetically. If you have three stockings, especially if your horse also has white on their face, it's very likely a sabino, even if the stockings do not have frayed edges. Now, if you have a horse with 4 stockings, you have a sabino or possibly even a minimal tobiano or splash overo if they have a bald face; horses simply can't express that much white with out 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



Other Markings


Distal Spots
( or Ermine spots if you prefer )





Distal spots are just dark spots of the horse's underlying color that appear along the coronet.


Knee Spots





These neat little spots are caused by the sabino gene; usually you see a horse with 3 stockings (or socks) and 1 knee spot.


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 ) If you see a chestnut or palomino with indistinct faded at the top "socks" it's likely the pangare gene, not true socks. Foals can also have lighter feet that are not true stockings.