Other Horse Leg Markings You Might See
Heel
A heel marking is a small white area on the back of the hoof, near the heel bulbs.
Heel markings are usually small and do not wrap all the way around the hoof. A horse may have a heel marking even if the rest of the leg has no white.
These markings are easiest to see from behind.
White Scars
These spots usually have irregular shapes and do not match typical leg marking patterns. They may appear suddenly over time, unlike natural markings that are present from birth.
When describing a horse, it’s helpful to notice whether a white spot looks like a marking or a scar.
Ermine Spots
They look like little dots or freckles and are most common on white legs. Ermine spots are part of the horse’s natural coloring and are not dirt or injuries.
Not every white leg has ermine spots, but when they appear, they make the marking unique.
Leg Stripes
Some horses, especially dun and grulla horses, may have dark leg stripes instead of white markings.
These stripes often appear across the knees, hocks, or lower legs. They are part of the horse’s coat color pattern and are sometimes called primitive markings.
Leg stripes are not white markings, but they are still helpful for identification.