Markings
As well as coat colours, there are many other features that can be used to help identify the correct horse including: White markings, hoof colour, brands, whorls, permanent scars, height and sex.
In general terms these other features are known as markings.
For more information about markings, brands and a horse's age go to the Resource Centre.
Then try the activities below.
Open Activity 1Markings of the horse
Open Activity 2Markings True or False?
Did you know?
Other methods used to identify horses include:
Blood typing – blood typing is mainly used to check the relationship between horses; each parent provides information that helps produce the foal's blood type.
DNA – like blood typing the factors in a horse's genetic make-up come from each parent. DNA testing provides even more accurate information to link a horse with its parents; it is also unique for an individual so it can be used to prove identity if a sample is on record.
Microchipping - from 2003 all Thoroughbreds that are registered are required to be microchipped. A scanner is used to read the chip which is lodged under the skin in the neck.
After you have finished the activities click NEXT to learn about branding.
