Splashed white pinto patterns are among the most interesting of the white patterns and got their name because they look like they’ve been dipped in white paint feet first. This pattern is perhaps less understood genetically and new genes have been discovered that create the pattern.
Defining Characteristics
- Produces horses with pink-skinned white markings.
- Usually have blue eyes.
- Head, legs and belly may be white sometimes with a patch running up either side of the thorax.
- White markings are crisp and well defined.
- Can be associated with congenital deafness.
- Almost all have pigment around the outside of the ear.
Mistaken Identity
Genetically, splash patterns can come from eight mutations in two different genes (at least for now). This patterning can look quite similar to overo or sabino animals, but they are all distinct genetically.
