I think we must remember a few things connected with colour. First of all, I suspect that very few horses of colour, only are that which we see. Most no doubt carry many other patterns and some of which there is no test for yet. The phenotype seldom tells the real story. We must remember also, that different registries often name a colour or pattern differently. Also different countries.
Small spots on tobianos are sometimes and indicator of homozygosity and sometimes not. Many horses without small pawprint spots, are homozygous. Purists will say that a true tobiano, must have an all black face and absolutely smooth edged markings, but most horses we would class as tobianos, don't.
Many patterns which have been formerly classed as sabino, are not now thought not to be. Current thinking is that many supposed sabino patterns/colouring, is actually splash. At the moment, we can only test for Sabino1. There are a ton of other sabino patterns out there which have been detected, but for which no testing is offered. Testing is not offered, since the cost would be prohibitive for an owner to test for all.
For sabino, on the typical "normal" horse markings, white stays on the nose bridge of the face, causes lip spots, when in combination with other patterns, it likes to keep color on the eyes, causes socks, stockings and can cause belly spots, also causes minor body roaning and and the leg markings generally follow the inside of the leg, but can be jagged or pointy, does not cause blue eyes.
Splash causes very crisp clean sharp markings, white that falls off the side of the face and bottom heavy white face markings. Splash also causes bald faces, leg markings are fairly flat topped and can cause belly spots or bands of white. Splash also causes blue eyes. Also causes colour to have 'halos' around it. Splash also causes some horses to have dark 'smiley' markings on the lips. Looks like this horse of JMS Miniatures has this, although difficult to tell from the pic.
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As time goes on and we can test for the patterns not offered now, some of the above thinking might change. Ideas and findings do change often. But what fun colour is.
The best idea, is to always test for colour one thinks might be in the horses they breed. Phenotypes hardly ever tell the story and one can never go by the colour on registration papers. In breeds which carry frame, then that opens up another huge can of worms and something which breeders must consider carefully when breeding. Even when breeding solid appearing horses. Frame brings pretty patterns, but also harbours a dirty little secret.
Lizzie
