Sabino

Irregular white markings with a lot of roaning on legs, belly and face.

Sabino: Irregular white markings with a lot of roaning on legs, belly and face.

What does this colour look like?

High white legs, white on the belly and face, ragged edges and often intermixed white hairs (roaning). Sabino1 in double dose gives a 90%+ white horse (sabino-white).

Body
ragged white with roaning
Mane and tail
part white
Legs
high white
Skin
pink under white
Eyes
sometimes blue

How does this colour arise?

Sabino gives ragged white legs, belly and muzzle with lots of speckled edges.

More about the genetics

Sabino1 (SB1) is one of several sabino-like patterns; one copy gives the typical markings, two copies a nearly white horse. Not all sabino looks come from SB1; it is an umbrella name.

What is this colour often confused with?

  • Splashed white

    As if the horse was dipped in white paint from below: white legs, belly, chest and face, with blue eyes.

  • Roan

    In roan, white and coloured hairs mix on the body, while head and legs stay coloured.

  • Frame overo

    Horizontal white patches on the flanks, framed by colour, with the back mostly coloured.

Discover more

Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory · Sponenberg, D.P. & Bellone, R.R. (Wiley-Blackwell).