Many Appaloosas will have bold and clearly defined vertically light or dark striped hooves. Vertical stripes may result from an injury to the coronet or a white marking on the leg.

Light coloured horses tend to have thin stripes in their hooves. As a result, all striped hooves do not necessarily distinguish Appaloosas from non-Appaloosas. Look for other Appaloosa characteristics if any of these situations apply to your horse.

Photo E - This photo shows a typical Appaloosa striped hoof. It has distinct pigmented and non-pigmented areas, the same as mottled skin.

Photo F - Thin stripes like the ones shown in this photo are found on horses with various coat colours (chestnut, dun or palomino for example) and cannot be considered an Appaloosa characteristic. The lighter stripes on these hooves are actually pigmented, similar to pumpkin skin.

Photo G - Many breeds of horses have striped hooves when there is a white leg marking present. White markings from the coronet band and up disqualifying striped hooves from being an Appaloosa characteristic.