A look at horses with bend or spots around the world and in a variety of different breeds.
Also called Ben d’Or Smuts or Grease Spots, Bend or spots are random dark spots found on a lighter coat, often seen on chestnuts and palominos (but can be found on bays). They are not associated with any of the white spotting patterns.
Bend Or Spot Characteristics
They were named for a Thoroughbred stallion who bore them, even Man O’War was said to have them. While they were first ‘officially’ documented by the TB, they can be found in many breeds. Bend Or spots can be present at birth or develop over time. They vary from a few shades darker than the coat, to black and are often found on the hindquarters. They also vary considerably in size, from dime sized to plate sized.
