Dapples

[monistee]

When they say dapples in their coats. What do they mean.

[wisconsin]

dapples are "spots" or "circles" that appear on the neckline, and other areas like behind the saddle. Hard to describe, but you know them when you see them.

[sonnyp]

When they say dapples in their coats. What do they mean.

dap·ple

  http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/speaker.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/audio.html/lunaWAV/D00/D0036800) /ˈdæphttp://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngəl/ http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif (http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/IPA_pron_key.html) http://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif ("]Show Spelled[/url] [dap-uhhttp://sp.dictionary.com/dictstatic/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngl] [url="http://dictionary.reference.com/help/luna/Spell_pron_key.html) Show IPA ("") noun, adjective, verb, -pled, -pling.
–noun 1. a spot or mottled marking, usually occurring in clusters.

2. an animal with a mottled skin or coat.


–adjective 3. dappled; spotted: a dapple horse.


–verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 4. to mark or become marked with spots.





the spots or circles in a horse's coat are more in the texture of their coat and become very noticeable when light shines on the animal at a certain angle. the animal's coat usually will deepen in color and develop a "plushness" to it's apearance which generally is perceived as a display of good health. i've noticed, along with the dapples, there also occurs a deep "blackening"around the eyes, regardless of the color of the horse.

[FantasticDan]

http://www.solarnavigator.net/animal_kingdom/animal_images/Horse_Holsteiner_Apfelschimmel_dapple_2005.jpg

Google image search is your friend. :ThmbUp:

Usually you see dapples mentioned when a horseplayer is trying to convey that the horse is healthy and flourishing. Steve Haskin is big on this. Not sure if there's science behind that belief, but I did pick a 50-1 horse one time because he was the only dappled horse in the paddock. And he won! :jump: :D

[johnhannibalsmith]

... Not sure if there's science behind that belief,...

It's about the closest a guy with a form is going to get to knowing what the lab results of the blood work was.

[fmolf]

It's about the closest a guy with a form is going to get to knowing what the lab results of the blood work was.
:lol: ...that was clever......dapples are a sign of good health...of a horse who is eating well and getting enough exercise to stay healthy.Very similar to a vet who can tell a dog ishealthy and well cared for by the sheen of his coat.Dappled horses usually in my experience put in a good effort, but do not ignore basic handicapping!Dapples alone do not a winner make!

[rubicon55]

:lol: ...that was clever......dapples are a sign of good health...of a horse who is eating well and getting enough exercise to stay healthy.Very similar to a vet who can tell a dog ishealthy and well cared for by the sheen of his coat.Dappled horses usually in my experience put in a good effort, but do not ignore basic handicapping!Dapples alone do not a winner make!

Exactly correct, good call.

[startngate]

Google image search is your friend. :ThmbUp: A little more familiar a face ... looks like she just just learned who her first mate will be ... :)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs757.ash1/164853_187654874594936_100000512744097_662981_6311 593_n.jpg

Certainly retired life appears to be agreeing with her ... :ThmbUp:

[Bruddah]

Dapples radiate from within and underneath the horses skin. Generally around the horses sides and lung area. They are a great indicators of a horse in peak condition. They glisten like bright silver dollars when sunshine reflects on them. The best scores I have ever made were from horses that were dappled. This condition is temporary and not present when the horse is ill or out of condition.

A very important on track pre race inspection. Not readily apparent on TV screens and often missed in these venues. The pictures above are extreme samples of dappling and should give you an indicator of the condition.

Note...usually on grey's and rhones, dappling is harder to see. Not so on the examples above.

[monistee]

I want to thank each one of you, for your replies. Good stuff.