Today we are taking a look at splashed white pinto patterns and there are eight different mutations in two different genes that cause these patterns. In other words, there is quite a range and not all of them are obviously pinto.
Updated Colors
We’ve been giving our colors section a major overhaul, to make the information more accurate and provide better images. Equine color genetics are incredibly complex and some of it still remains a mystery, even for geneticists. We think that is part of the fun. Most of the horse colors and patterns can be broken down in a post, but pinto and appaloosa patterns are vast and distinct enough to warrant a closer look.
Pinto Terminology
Paints and pinto terminology can be confusing, but it’s fairly clearly defined. Pinto is the name used to describe a group of similar equine white patterns. Paint is the name used to describe animals with Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse bloodlines that are registered with the Paint Horse Registry. All Paints are pintos, but they must have specific breed genetics as well.
Color Confusion
With so many patterns it’s no surprise that there is confusing terms for them, this one concerns base color and words used to describe them when affected by pinto patterns. These are older terms and not as often used in the 21st century. With the modern understanding of pinto genetics, there are generally more accurate ways of categorizing them.
Piebald – Black
Skewbald – Chestnut
Tricolor – Bay and BrownSplashed White Characteristics
Let’s face it, visually telling pintos patterns apart is not easy, and splashed white is no different. While it can be similar to sabino patterns, they won’t have the roaning and ticking. Splash markings are strikingly clean and tidy.
Pink skinned white markings
Often have blue eyes
White on head, legs and belly
White markings are crisply defined
Splashed White Range
The range of colors themselves are almost endless, as pintos come in almost any color equine genetics can produce. With pintos it’s all about the patterns, each one with their own unique characteristics that make them special. Location of white spots on a splashed white is similar to sabino, except splash patterns won’t have any roaning or ticking, their spots are clearly defined.
Unfortunatly it’s quite difficult to find images of splashed animals, so we created some of our own. Not quite as good, but gives a general look at some of the expressions found with splash patterns. We used the UC Davis genetic testing site examples as our guide.
Minimum
Medium
Medium
Maximum
Pinto Breeds
Many breeds carry pinto patterns and they are commonly found in animals with Spanish lineage. The breeds below are bred specifically for their lovely spotted coats (not necessarily splash).
Cuban Pinto
English Drum Horse
American Paint Horse
American Paint Pony
American Pintabian
American Spotted Paso
American Spotted Saddle HorseColorful World
The world of horse colors is truly a spectacular one and we will continue to share updated color (and breed) pages, with all of their spectacular images.
