Splashed white horses

In some parts of the world, the term "splashed white" is used interchangably with "sabino." Genetic studies to date have identified three splashed white alleles; one that is relatively common in several breeds (SW-1), and two that appear to be limited to only the American Quarter Horse and American Paint Horse (SW-2 and the quite rare SW-3)

The white patterns of sabino and splashed white have similarities, in that white legs and belly spotting are common for both patterns, and it is also possible that a horse could carry genes for both patterns. However, Sabinos usually do not have blue eyes, whereas splash horses often do. Splashed white patterns also tends to be smooth on the edges, while sabino markings tend to have jagged shapes, often with "lacy" or "roaning" patterns at the edges. Only one sabino gene, SB-1, has been identified to date, and it is not found in all sabino-patterned horses.

Minimum expression

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  A palomino Icelandic horse as indicated by dark skin, but also possessing blue eyes, blaze and one sock on a front foot. Probably a very minimum expression of splashed white as blue eyes and white markings on the head without the splashed white factor in Icelandic horses are rare.
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  Blue eyes and a relatively narrow blaze. Probably splashed white since it's an Icelandic horse.

Moderate expression

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  Three low socks, one high stocking, head markings and blue eyes. Tail partly white.
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  Recognisable markings: white head and four high stockings.
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  Head white, stockings in three legs, one leg with some white below pastern; light tail tip and a blotch of white on stomach. Eye is light blue with white lashes, but the surrounding skin is dark. Skin around muzzle is pink.

High expression

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  High stockings, white head, partly white tail, white belly with "splashed" edges. Jagged edges may suggest sabino also present.
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  Illustrates clearly the name of the pattern: the pony looks like it has been running in knee-high white paint. Legs, tail and belly are white, "weird" and wide markings in the head.
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  One dark leg, two stockings, one white leg; body has a vertical band of white. White head.
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  High stockings and white legs; white head; a partial band around the body. White on the rump.
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  White head, a wide white band around the body; white legs and high stockings. Might also carry tobiano masked under the heavy splashed white patterns.

Inconclusive

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  Four low socks and a "muzzle heavy" blaze are often considered typical of minimally-expressed sabino, but some may classify it as a recognisable type of minimum expression splashed white. This horse additionally has blue eyes.