Primitive Markings - Other Markings

Other Markings

While they are less common than leg bars, some horses with primitive markings also possess vertically-oriented markings which may be arranged as bars, fine striping or smudges. Such markings include:

  • Vertical striping is described by its location: neck, withers, shoulders. These markings, particularly on the shoulder, are the most common. Indistinct or poorly-defined markings in these regions are often called neck or shoulder smudges, patches, or shadows. Especially large markings are called neck or shoulder capes. These markings are very common among other equids: Donkeys are known for their distinct shoulder stripe, and among their fancy it is called the cross. Kiangs also exhibit some shoulder smudging.
  • Dorsal barbs are suggestions of vertical striping on either side of the dorsal stripe. Dorsal barbs may be so closely placed that they resemble secondary dorsal stripes. Dorsal barbs are also called fishboning.
  • Rib marks are extended, perhaps interrupted dorsal barbs. They are usually fine, faint stripes and may be responsible for some horses classified as brindle.
  • A Ventral stripe runs along the midline of the underbelly of the horse. They are usually wide and are uncommon.
  • Zippers are lines of paler hairs running vertically along the back of the animal's leg, usually from the hoof to the knee. Because they consist of paler hairs and are found where horses often have feathering, zippers are considered by some to be guard hairs.
  • Bider markings are only known in Przewalski's horses and native Mongolian horses from nearby. The bider is mostly symmetrical and found near the front of each shoulder, near the chest. The size of the bider ranges from a small dark spot to a large, webbed cape of darker skin and hair.

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