Piebald is a coat color pattern in horses that is characterized by large irregular patches of white and any other color. The term refers specifically to a white and black coat coloration. Horses with this distinct patchy color pattern have been prized for centuries. Understanding what piebald means in horses provides insight into equine genetics, breed standards, and horse coat colors.
Defining Piebald
The word “piebald” originates from a combination of the words “magpie” and “bald.” This refers to the black and white plumage of the magpie bird. In horses, piebald does not necessarily mean the patches are black and white. The irregular colored patches can be any color aside from white. However, piebald most often refers to black and white spotting.
For a horse to be considered piebald, the white patches must cover at least 25% of the body. The colored patches can be any size or shape but are often large and irregular. The head usually has more color than white. Some piebald horses may even have a completely dark head. The white patches can occur anywhere on the body and face. Common areas include the legs, belly, neck, and hips.
Genetics of Piebald in Horses
The piebald spotting pattern is produced by the dominant Leopard Complex mutation, which is linked to the KIT gene. This is the same genetic mechanism that produces Appaloosa spotting. However, Appaloosa spotting typically has smaller, rounder spots that cluster around the hips. The Leopard Complex mutation is variable in expressivity, so piebald horses can range from minimal white spotting to being nearly all white.
For a horse to exhibit piebald spotting, it must inherit one Leopard Complex mutation. The extensive white patterning seen in some piebalds suggests these horses have two copies of the mutation, making them homozygous. Breeding two piebald horses together can increase the chances of a completely white foal.
Breeds Known for Piebald
Certain horse breeds are characterized by or allow for the piebald coat pattern. Breeds that commonly feature this type of spotting include:
- Gypsy Horse
- Gypsy Cob
- Tennessee Walking Horse
- Pony of the Americas
- Miniature Horse
- British Spotted Pony
Piebald is also seen in many draft horse breeds like Clydesdales, Belgians, Shires, and Percherons. Some registries only allow piebald in certain percentages. For example, the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society requires a piebald Gypsy Horse to have at least 20% white and 80% colored coat.
Unique Examples of Piebald Horses
While the typical piebald horse has a dark head, white legs, and large patches of color, some unique variations exist. Here are some of the more distinct piebald coat patterns seen:
- Medicine hat – Most of the body is white with color on the ears and forehead
- Badger face – Colored head with a white stripe down the face
- Inverted – Mostly dark body with white patches
- Leopard – Smaller and rounder spots like an Appaloosa
- Skewbald – White patches mixed with any color besides black
When a piebald horse has blue eyes or pink skin under the white coat, this is called a depigmentation phenotype. Some piebalds also exhibit the rare splashed white pattern which causes an extremely spotty coat and blue eyes.
Coat Colors that Can be Piebald
Piebald refers to the pattern of white spotting, not the horse’s base coat color. Almost any coat color can express piebald spotting. Here are some examples of base coat colors seen in piebald horses:
| Base Coat Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Black | A true black horse with no lightening of coat color |
| Bay | Red or brown body with a black mane, tail, legs, and points |
| Chestnut | A reddish body coat ranging from light to dark red |
| Buckskin | Tan or gold coat with black legs, mane, and tail |
| Dun | Yellowish or gold coat with primitive markings like a darker mane and dorsal stripe |
| Palomino | Gold coat with a white mane and tail |
In some registries, piebald is considered an overlay pattern on top of the base coat color. For example, a bay and white piebald horse may be registered as “Bay Piebald” or “Bay and White.”
Unique Markings in Piebalds
In addition to their distinctive patches of white and color, piebald horses can display unique facial and leg markings including:
- Blaze – Wide white stripe down the face
- Star – White marking between or above the eyes
- Snip – White marking on the muzzle or upper lip
- Stockings – White markings on the legs extending over the knee or hock
- Socks – White markings on the lower legs below the knee or hock
These white facial markings and leg markings are not necessarily indicative of the piebald pattern. However, due to the increased amount of white on piebald horses, these markings are more prevalent.
Health and Care of Piebald Horses
Piebald horses are no more prone to health issues than solid-colored horses. However, their white markings do require some special care and awareness.:
- White areas need protection from sunburn, especially the face. Sunscreen or masks can help.
- Fly spray and masks reduce sun exposure and fly irritation on white heads.
- White hair is more prone to bleaching and discoloration from dirt. Frequent grooming helps keep the coat clean.
- Pink skin under white markings is more vulnerable to trauma and sunlight damage. Apply sunscreen before riding.
- Eye issues like uveitis may be more common due to lack of pigment around blue eyes.
Additionally, maximally white piebald horses can be prone to deafness. All horses with extensive white on the head should be tested for deafness before being ridden.
Uses of Piebald Horses
Throughout history, piebald horses were prized as parade horses, circus performers, and mounts of nobles. Today piebalds are used for:
- Show horses
- Amateur show ring
- Trail riding
- Western pleasure
- English pleasure
- Driving
- Harness
- Companions
- Therapy horses
Their striking coloration makes piebald horses popular riding horses. Breeds like Gypsy Horses are shown extensively for their abundant color and flashy movement. Piebalds also work well as therapy horses because their unique coats attract attention.
Popularity of Piebald Horses
The piebald coat pattern has been popular for centuries. Paintings show piebald horses being ridden by noblemen and knights during the Middle Ages. The striking black and white coat was a status symbol. Today, piebalds remain highly popular thanks to breeds like the Gypsy Vanner Horse that have met demand for heavy horses with piebald coloring.
At horse shows, piebald is considered a desirable loud color pattern, unlike more subtle colors like bay or brown. The Piebald/Skewbald Horse Association registers piebalds of all breeds to promote and preserve these colorful horses. While trends come and go, the piebald coat pattern continues to be admired today.
Conclusion
Piebald spotting gives horses a bold and eye-catching bicolor coat pattern. This genetic trait produces characteristic patches of white and any other color. Piebald is linked to the Leopard Complex and commonly seen in certain breeds. These horses can display the pattern in many variations and combinations with all base coat colors. Their distinctive look has made piebald horses popular for centuries across many disciplines. With proper sun protection and grooming, piebalds make colorful companions and show horses.
