There are plenty of grey areas in the wide world of horse colors. Considering the many combinations of dilutions, modifiers and white patterns that can affect coat color, horses come in almost every color imaginable.
Unexplained Markings and Patterns
While some of the rarer markings are the result of various white patterns (especially pinto), there are also plenty of unexplained markings and patterns. Some of which have had geneticists scratching their heads for years.
Bend Or Spots
Random dark spots that appear on lighter coats, can be found on any variation of chestnut base (including palominos) and bays as well.
Birdcatcher Spots
Small white spots that can be found on any color coat. Usually ranging from pearl to silver dollar shaped, and sometimes in small clusters.
Brindle
Brindle is a vertical striping pattern that is not the same color as the body, more commonly found in cattle in dogs than horses.
Blood Marks
Blood marks are only found on greying animals and is the result of a concentration of fleabites (usually on the shoulder or neck area).
Lacing
Also called giraffe markings, marble, cobweb or catbacked, the cause of lacing is unknown and could be from more than one factor.
Paw Prints
Paw prints are found on white tobiano markings and range in size. Named for how they cluster to look like little paw prints.
Chest Shield
A chest shield is a pinto marking that covers the chest surrounded by white, resembling a protective shield or armor on the chest.
Belton Spots
Belton spots are blotches of color within the white spots on a pinto and can be found in a few of the pinto white patters.
Dominant White
Dominant white can come from a variety of genetic factors, their common factor is that they produce almost pure white animals.