Being aware of markings, the colour, gender, brands, scars and other ways to identify a horse can assist with regards to theft of one’s horse. It can also aid in differentiating equines at work, and even knowing one’s own horse better. The correct identification of an individual is also required by vets when insurance certificates are being filled out.
Colour and Gender
It’s quite simple to determine if a horse is a mare or filly (female) or a colt or stallion (entire male) or a gelding (castrated male horse). The gender of a horse and their colour can be a quick way to differentiate between horses.
This isn’t of much use however for particular breeds that are known for their colour or where only a particular gender is used for an event. An example of this is the Lipizzaner.
Markings on a Horse
Markings are a great way to specifically differentiate between horses. These can be in the form of white markings, ermine markings and brands put on a horse.
White markings can be commonly found on the face in the form of a star, stripe, snip or blaze and on the legs. Ermine markings are black spots that can be found on white markings, particularly on the legs of the horse. Dependent on the breed of the horse, brands can be found commonly on the neck, shoulders or the rump.
All of these markings can be utilised to identify a horse. A tattoo on the inside of a horse’s lip is another way to identify a horse.
Whorls and Scars
A whorl, swirl or cowlick is a circle of hair found on the horse that results from the hair going against the grain meeting with hair going with the grain. The result is a circle of sorts of hair that can often be found on the horse’s neck, up toward the mane and at the flank. Unusual whorls – such as on the side of a horse’s head – can also be a useful form of identification.
Scars are also unique and although unsightly can be of great use with regards to differentiating horses. Awareness of scars and correct knowledge by the owner with regards to how they were acquired can assist in identifying a horse that has been stolen.
Being familiar with one’s own horse and whether or not it has white markings, ermine markings, brands, a tattoo or scars are all important facts for a horse owner to be familiar with. Being aware of such things can raise the owner very quickly to any changes in the horse’s appearance.
Being so aware of what makes a horse unique also puts the focus on the horse’s common behavioural traits allowing any inconsistencies to be picked up quickly. These observational skills are priceless for any horse owner or person who works with horses.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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