MARKINGS ON HORSES

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 105, 6 May 1933, Page 21

MARKINGS ON HORSES

SYSTEM OF NOMENCLATURE

TERMS IN COMMON USE

With the approach o£ the date for entry of now yearlings in future classic events most owners o£ young horses will be giving thought to naming them, and during the next couple of months the majority of next season's two-year-olds of potential consequence will have names claimed foi' them. When application is made to register a name it is also necessary to provide full particulars as to special markings on or peculiarities about the head, legs, or body of the horse, and the object of the following article is to note and explain the terms most commonly used in such descriptions. It is, of course, most desirable that a uniform terminology be adopted by breeders, owners, and trainers responsible for applications for registration, and the terms here given have been approved of by the New Zealand Racing Conference. MARKINGS ON HEAD. The principal markings are probably those about the head, and the terms "star," "stripe," "snip," "blaze," "upperlip or underlip," and "white muzzle' are the ones most used. The "star" is a white mark, generally more or less rounded, in the centre of the forehead. It is further described as "large," "small," "irregular," or "faint" when necessary. The "stripe" is a narrow white marking down the face, usually in the centre, and it is further described as "short," "broad," "faint," or "wavy," according to its appearance. A stripe is also sometimes described as a "race" or "reach." The term "stripe" is occasionally applied to the dark lines seen along the back of some_ horses, but as these occur rarely, if ever, in thoroughbreds, it is better to confine "stripes" exclusively to the white marking on the head. The "snip" is a white mark between the nostrils, which may be centrally placed, or may extend to one nostril, in which case it is so described. The "blaze" is a broad splash of white down the face, distinct from star and snip, or embracing both, or even covering the greater part of the face from the forehead to the muzzle. When it is very exaggerated, the term "whitefaee" or "baldface" is sometimes applied. "Upperlip" and "underlip" are the names-used >to denote white skin at the edges of .the lips. "White muzzle" is selfexplanatory. When any of these marks exist it is necessary to include them in the description. . ■ . Besides the marks on the head note must also be made of any peculiarity in the eyes. A horse is said to have a "walleye" when, through lack of pigment, the iris is of greyish-white or bluish-white appearance. A horse may also be described as "showing the white of the eyes" when that' condition is present. WHITE ON LEGS. The markings on the legs vary from the just noticeable to the very pronounced. They are always white, and refereuce to the colour is therefore not strictly necessary. "White heels," "white coronets," "white pasterns," and "white fetlocks" are terms commonly used in descriptions. In the case of a white heel the white is at the back of the past»rn, and extends to the ergot. The other terms explain themselves. When the white hair extends to above the fetlock. it. is usually, called a _spck," aha'when much higher a "stockIng" or a "leg." The point to which it extends should be stated. If the white hair does not completely cover the place mentioned the word "partly" is added. As stated, the word "white" is often omitted, and the description is made by reference only to the part, as "off fore and ■ near hind legs," "near fore fetlock partly," "off hind sock." When the hail- towards lower part of the leg and hoof is black, the term "black points" is used to describe it. OTHER MARKINGS. Natural, or congenital, markings about the body of a horse must also be accurately noted. They- include "patches," "spots," and "zebra marks"; also "grey (or white) hairs in the coat," "black marks," "mixed hairs," "bordered markings," and "flesh marks." "Patches" may hi of either white or dark hair, and may occur on any part of the body. "Spots" are of smaller dimension than patches, and are more or less circular. "Zebra marks" are the dark horizontal stripes seen sometimes on the limbs, neck, withers, or quarters, but they are not very common on racehorses. No horse that has been registered with the Conference in recent years has had zebra marks. "Grey (or white) hairs in the coat" may be described by' the terms "greytieked," or "flecked," according as the grey (or white) hairs are isolated or are grouped in small collections. If there are grey, white, or other odd-coloured hairs in the mane oi- tail they should be specified. "Black marks" is a term used to describe small areas of black hairs on white or other colours. If they are on white, usually on the coronet, they are sometimes called "ermme marks," but "black marks" is a sufficient description. "Dappled" is a seasonal, not a permanent, marking, and is, not now required in a description. Horses without any white marks on them are said to be "whole coloured." When there are many white or lighter coloured hairs showing in the general colour the coat is said to be "mixed" ■with such hairs. Another term used is "bordered," which occurs where the marking is circumscribed by a mixed border, i.e., "bordered star," or "bordered stripe." Patches where the pigment of the skin is absent are known as "flesh marks." ADVENTITIOUS MARKS. Besides the marks which are congenital there are others that may be called "adventitious marks." These include "saddle marks," "girth marks," "collar marks," and other harness marks, also permanent "bandaging marks," • "firing marks," "branding marks," "scars," and "tattoo marks." Where they occur and are permanent they must be described. When horses have been docked the fact should also be stated. Brands, usually seen on the lower part of the shoulder, but sometimes on the quarter, under the saddle, or on the side of the neck, form part of the description required by the Conference when they exist. As branding is not obligatory here only a few breeders now so murk their stock. However, imported horses, particularly those from Australia, arc usually branded, and in such cases, as well as when a brand has been impressed here, the marking must be accurately given. Under the Rules of Kacinft, it may bo noted, branding is not a condition precedent to a horse's being registered.