Almost all horses have leg markings of some sort, from a tiny spot of white to whole white legs. Here are the general definitions of each marking, which are a bit more definitive than markings on the face because they are based on leg anatomy.
Coronet
The least amount of white that can be found on a leg, the coronet is displayed around the coronet band and is usually a small spot or blob.
The least amount of white that can be found on a leg, the coronet is displayed around the coronet band and is usually a small spot or blob.
Pastern
Picking up where the coronet marking leaves off, pastern markings extend more than an inch above the coronet and end around the pastern joint.
Picking up where the coronet marking leaves off, pastern markings extend more than an inch above the coronet and end around the pastern joint.
Fetlock
Like the pastern, the fetlock begins where it leaves off. The white will extend up over the fetlock joint and on to the cannon area.
Like the pastern, the fetlock begins where it leaves off. The white will extend up over the fetlock joint and on to the cannon area.
Sock or High White
A sock marking is perhaps the most common and begins where the fetlock leaves off. The white will extend up the cannon area to the knee/hock.
A sock marking is perhaps the most common and begins where the fetlock leaves off. The white will extend up the cannon area to the knee/hock.
Stockings
Stockings are the largest white leg marking and perhaps the most flashy. They always extend above the knee of hock and can extend into the body.
Stockings are the largest white leg marking and perhaps the most flashy. They always extend above the knee of hock and can extend into the body.
Black Socks
Some animals will have no white leg markings at all. Some bay or seal animals will have black leg markings of almost all types, except stocking.
Some animals will have no white leg markings at all. Some bay or seal animals will have black leg markings of almost all types, except stocking.
Colored Socks
Rare and only found on pintos or appaloosas, colored socks are the body color and must have white above them to make them actually sock markings.
Rare and only found on pintos or appaloosas, colored socks are the body color and must have white above them to make them actually sock markings.
Ermine Spots
Stockings are the largest white leg marking and perhaps the most flashy. They always extend above the knee of hock and can extend into the body.
Stockings are the largest white leg marking and perhaps the most flashy. They always extend above the knee of hock and can extend into the body.