There is something about a dark brown and white horse that just seems so magical. Perhaps it’s the stunning set of blue eyes that make the horses look incredibly wise and intelligent, or maybe it’s the fact that these gorgeous animals are truly one-of-a-kind. In any case, if you’re looking for some inspiration for your own horse or to find the perfect name for that special horse in your life, here are some beautiful ideas.
A white and brown horse is a great addition to any herd. They are very versatile and have a lot of potential in a variety of disciplines. These horses are often well-behaved and easy to train, and they can be used by people of all levels of experience. The spotted pattern is very striking and makes these horses stand out in the crowd. The patterns of white can range from a solid blaze to spots that cover the entire face and body. Some of these horses have white socks and tails as well, which adds a nice touch to their look.
The color of a horse is determined by the pigments in its hair, skin and mucous membranes. The standard colors of the equine world are black (recessive to red), bay, chestnut/sorrel, black-point and grulla. The non-black-point colors are champagne, chestnut/sorrel with white markings (also called dapple), cremello, red dun and zebra dun.
There are several different variations on these basic colors, including seal brown with its mealy appearance, sooty bay, sandy or light bay and sable. These shades are all produced by different genes and have different effects on the coat color. Some horses with these shades will fade or dapple with sun exposure, while others remain vibrant no matter what the weather.
White markings are usually confined to the face and legs, but they can also appear on the body and head and can be scattered throughout the entire coat. These markings are generally surrounded by pink skin and may or may not cover the entire body. When white patches that cover the face and neck become extensive enough to constitute a spotting pattern, they are usually described as being roaning.
A tobiano is a horse with a white pattern on both the face and body, and usually has black points (mane, tail and ear rims). Tobianos can also have white around the eyes, which gives them their characteristic “blaze” or “star” appearance. If a tobiano has two copies of the gene for white, it is referred to as a tovero, and this combination of tobiano and overo characteristics is sometimes known as a pinto.