Brindle & Striped Equine International

The Brindle and Striped Equine International registry was founded in an effort to preserve and promote the unique and rare brindling pattern in horses. Common in certain cattle and dog breeds, the pattern has been difficult to study in horses due to its rarity. Brindling has been sported by Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Warmbloods, the Criollos of Argentina, and even Donkeys and Mules. It is believed to be inherited differently than dun factor markings. Even though there have been dilute-colored brindles (duns and grullas), bays, greys, chestnuts, and browns have also been found with the pattern. Horses and other equine with heavy and/or unique dun factor markings are also accepted by the registry. These markings can be a herringbone pattern radiating from the dorsal stripe, a zig-zag dorsal stripe, tear drops at the ends of stripes, numerous stripes, crimped stripes, rosettes, or other unusual markings. Another type of stripe pattern is the netted pattern in which the equine looks as if a fishnet was draped over it. Not to be confused with the sometimes netted appearance of brindling, this netting appears most often on the neck and shoulders or the hindquarters only. Like the brindle pattern, it is probably not related to dun factor markings due to the number of greys, roans, bays, and sorrels documented. Some horses can show both dun factor and brindling or netting. Donkeys have shown the netted pattern, and some Mongolian horses have been studied due to their high incidence of netting. "Ribbing" is another stripe pattern accepted by the registry. This marking most often appears over the barrel, down the ribs, of roan and Appaloosa horses. These markings are usually white, flecked, or roan, and sometimes accompany "lightning" slashes on the legs of Appaloosas. Zebras, our most commonly known "striped horse," as well as zebra hybrids, are accepted into their own section of the registry. Zebras and their hybrids are gaining in popularity due to their attractiveness and trainability. Horses, ponies, donkeys, zebras, and their hybrids are registered by the Brindle and Striped Equine International. The registration papers are as attractive as the equine they represent. Clear photos are required for registration. The Brindle & Striped Equine Internationl has an awards program where each equine, no matter the breed, can earn points towards a Register of Merit by showing in their own breed shows or open shows. Points can also be earned at various other equine activities. This information can be obtained from the office. Higher awards are in the planning stages.