TIP: Tobiano Inkspot Project

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To determine if inkspots in tobianos do indicate homozygosity

Some tobianos will have Inkspots, which are spots of color on their white patches. These are also called "cat tracks" or "paw prints". Many breeders feel that inkspots indicate that the horse is a homozygous tobiano; however, no studies or surveys have been done regarding this. TIP is a research project I have set up to determine if inkspots are connected to homozygosity.

If you own any type of tobiano pinto, please fill out the survey below to help me with my research. If you have more than one tobiano, fill out a form for each horse. Thank you for your time and help!



[What is a TOBIANO & what are INKSPOTS?]     [TIP Progress Update]

[What is Homozygous?]           [What is Heterozygous?]


To avoid error:
  • Toveros will not be accepted in the survey.
  • HOMOZYGOUS tobianos included in the survey must either have been tested homozygous, OR both parents must have been tested as homozygous tobianos, OR must have had six (6) or more tobiano foals when bred to SOLID horses.
  • HETEROZYGOUS tobianos included in the survey must either have been tested heterozygous, OR had a non-tobiano parent, OR have had a non-tobiano foal.
  • Every horse's form must include photographs; you may either email them to me or I can view them on your website.
  • When I say "TESTED", although there is no direct tobiano test, UC Davis has a test that is used to determine zygosity in tobianos. This is the "test" I am referring to.


    TIP Survey: Tobiano owners, please fill out the form below:

    What type of horse do you have?

    Homozygous tobiano

    Heterozygous tobiano

    Please check ALL the following that apply to your horse:

    Genetically Tested Homozygous
    Both parents genetically tested homozygous
    Has had at least 6 tobiano foals when bred to non-tobianos
    Genetically Tested Heterozygous
    One parent is a NON-tobiano
    Has produced a NON-tobiano foal

    Fill out this information on the horse

    Horse's Name:
    Breed:
    Sex:
    Registered With:
    PHOTOS: I would like to know where I can see photos of the horse. Please provide either a website in the space below --OR-- send me an email with photos. Email Me .
    I will email you photos of the horse
    I will leave my website address below so you can look up photos:

    Inkspots/cat tracks/paw prints:

    YES, this horse does have inkspots NO, this horse does not have inkspots

    About You

    As the owner of a tobiano, do you feel that inkspots do indicate homozygosity?
    Yes, I feel that inkspots are a very accurate indicator of homozygosity
    Yes, I feel that inkspots are a fairly good indicator of homozygosity
    No, I think that inkspots are irrelevant in determining homozygosity.
    I do not know.
    Your Name:
    Your Email Address:

    Are there any additional comments you would like to make?

    Thank you for taking the time to help me in my research!




    Please tell other tobiano owners about this survey so that I can get more entries. You may use the HTML below to link to this page:



    It will look like this:














































    © Annamaria Tadlock