7 Most Splendid Spotted Horse Breeds Around The World

This creature of grace and power, the horse, is often captivating in its sleek coat and flowing movements. However, some of them have an extraordinary line of attraction: the spotted coat. From the iconic Appaloosa to lesser-known breeds, they are living works of art, their bodies adorned with nature’s masterpieces.

Beyond their flashy appearance, breeds of horses with spotting have rich histories and unique characteristics. In these explorations, you will become familiar with the 7 most charismatic spotted horse breeds and learn some interesting facts behind such intriguing coat patterns. Keep reading and find out how many breeds you know in the list. 

What Causes A Horse With Spotted Coat?

Genetics is responsible for all of the captivating patterns on a spotted horse’s coat. Picture genes as very tiny artists painting each horse pattern. These genetic painters use an inherited palette of DNA from the parents that will determine whether or not a horse is going to have spots and how many.

These fantastic patterns are regulated by specific genes—from the leopard spots of Appaloosas to the bold patches on Paint horses. For this reason, when a foal is born, what appears is the coat pattern, just like an unfolding masterpiece. 

These genes do much more than just create beautiful appearances; they tell of survival. The spots helped horses turn color to blend with the environment, thus protecting them from predators in the wild. Therefore, beyond the striking looks, these genetic characteristics have historical significance in the survival and evolution of the species.