Coat Patterns

Tobiano Pattern

Tobiano
(pronounced: tow be  yah' no)

The dark colour usually covers one or both flanks.

Generally, all four legs are white, at least below the  hocks and knees.

Generally, the spots are regular and distinct as ovals or  round patterns that extend down over the neck and chest,  giving the appearance of a shield.

Head markings are like those of a solid-coloured  horse--solid, or with a blaze, strip, star or snip.

A tobiano may be either predominantly dark or white. The tail is often two colours.

Overo Pattern

Overo PatternOvero
(pronounced: oh vair'  oh)

The white usually will not cross the back of the horse  between its withers and its tail.

Generally, at least one and often all four legs are dark.

Generally, the white is irregular, and is rather scattered  or splashy.

Head markings are distinctive, often bald-faced,  apron-faced or bonnet-faced.

An overo may be either predominantly dark or white.  The tail is usually one colour.

Tovero Pattern

Tovero
(pronounced: tow  vair' oh)

Dark pigmentation around the ears, which may expand to  cover the forehead and/or eyes.

One or both eyes blue.

Dark pigmentation around the mouth, which may extend up the  sides of the face and form spots.

Chest spot(s) in varying sizes. These may also extend up  the neck.

Flank spot(s) ranging in size. These are often accompanied  by smaller spots that extend forward across the barrel, and up  over the loin. 

Spots, varying in size, at the base of the tail.

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