Many horses have white markings on their legs. The markings are named according to their location and height. The picture to the left shows some common markings.
Coronet – the coronet is a band above the hoof. A white strip on the coronet is also called coronet. Pastern – the pastern is the narrow part of the leg between the angle and the hoof. A white marking extending to the top of the pastern is also called pastern. Ankle – the ankle marking is white extending up the leg to the fetlock. Half stocking – the cannon is the part of the leg between the ankle and the knee or, on the back legs, between the ankle and the hock. White extending midway up the cannon is called the half-stocking; this is also often called a sock. Stocking – the stocking is white extending from the hoof up to the knee or hock or beyond. A horse may only have white covering the heel without any of the other markings. Of course, variations of these markings are possible. Note: Refer to this illustration for the locations of the terms used here. |