color of hooves

RenosGirl · 07-10-2008, 09:27 PM

I have always wondered, why is it that some horses have white hooves while others have black. But also some horses might have both or stripped hooves. Is it just something that they have in there genes or what...can someone clear this up for me?

**taelesean** · 07-10-2008, 10:05 PM

Hoof is made of the same stuff as hair, and like hair it can be pigmented or not. Whether a hoof is colored or white is partly determined by genetics, and partly by chance.

Kristina Fortson · 07-10-2008, 10:09 PM

I've also noticed that if your horse has white hair at the top of their hoof line, like on their lower leg, the leg that's got the white hair will have a hoof that's light colored and the legs without white hair just at the hoof line are darker. Pretty interesting!

RenosGirl · 07-10-2008, 10:10 PM

well I have a gray gelding and his hooves are all black but one is white. With him being a gray with black/gray skin does it make a difference with the color of hoof?

**taelesean** · 07-10-2008, 10:31 PM

Not at all...hoof is hoof, pigmented or not. It's entirely a myth that darker or lighter colored hooves are stronger or weaker.

RenosGirl · 07-10-2008, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taelesean

Not at all...hoof is hoof, pigmented or not. It's entirely a myth that darker or lighter colored hooves are stronger or weaker.

I have never heard of that actually...

Wolfie · 07-10-2008, 11:18 PM

If horses have pink skin or leg markings, they will generally have white hooves. Otherwise, they will be black/gray. Appies often have striped hooves for some reason.

RenosGirl · 07-10-2008, 11:28 PM

oh okay, that makes some sense. Reno must have some leg markings that causes him to have a white hoof.

But how do you explan this

she is a saddlebred....

or this anglo-arab

sorry for all the questions

Hank's_Lil_Kick-A-Boo · 07-10-2008, 11:40 PM

check under his white for black skin, my paint has stripes where his little black dots are which u cant see unless you shave his feet. Like on your anglo-arab he has black spots where the stripes are.

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07-10-2008, 09:27 PM
RenosGirl Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 575	color of hooves I have always wondered, why is it that some horses have white hooves while others have black. But also some horses might have both or stripped hooves. Is it just something that they have in there genes or what...can someone clear this up for me? __________________ Go and love your babies today, and everyday...you never know when it could be the last time.

07-10-2008, 10:05 PM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,675	Hoof is made of the same stuff as hair, and like hair it can be pigmented or not. Whether a hoof is colored or white is partly determined by genetics, and partly by chance. __________________

07-10-2008, 10:09 PM
Kristina Fortson Halter broke Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Pensacola,Fl Posts: 198	I've also noticed that if your horse has white hair at the top of their hoof line, like on their lower leg, the leg that's got the white hair will have a hoof that's light colored and the legs without white hair just at the hoof line are darker. Pretty interesting! __________________ To love, and be loved is life's greatest gift.

07-10-2008, 10:10 PM
RenosGirl Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 575	well I have a gray gelding and his hooves are all black but one is white. With him being a gray with black/gray skin does it make a difference with the color of hoof? __________________ Go and love your babies today, and everyday...you never know when it could be the last time.

07-10-2008, 10:31 PM
taelesean Administrator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 5,675	Not at all...hoof is hoof, pigmented or not. It's entirely a myth that darker or lighter colored hooves are stronger or weaker. __________________

07-10-2008, 11:18 PM
Wolfie Coming two Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: US Posts: 1,547	If horses have pink skin or leg markings, they will generally have white hooves. Otherwise, they will be black/gray. Appies often have striped hooves for some reason.

07-10-2008, 11:28 PM
RenosGirl Yearling Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 575	oh okay, that makes some sense. Reno must have some leg markings that causes him to have a white hoof. But how do you explan this she is a saddlebred.... or this anglo-arab sorry for all the questions __________________ Go and love your babies today, and everyday...you never know when it could be the last time.

07-10-2008, 11:40 PM
Hank's_Lil_Kick-A-Boo Weanling Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cold Wisconsin Posts: 233	check under his white for black skin, my paint has stripes where his little black dots are which u cant see unless you shave his feet. Like on your anglo-arab he has black spots where the stripes are.