Bloody Shoulder Coloring on Arabian Horses

Bloody shoulder coloration is an unusual but highly desirable color pattern in flea-bitten gray Arabian horses and Arabian crosses. The marking does appear rarely in other breeds that the Arabian contributed to, such as thoroughbreds.

  1. Identification

    • A bloody-shouldered Arabian or other horse has bright red or brown spots or splotches on the shoulder area against a light gray base coat. These splotches may also appear on other parts of the body, like the neck or hindquarters.

    Legend

    • According to legend, all bloody shoulder Arabians descends from one gray mare. Her master died in battle, but the mare managed to return his body home. Her master's blood is supposed to be the source of the stains.

    Time Frame

    • Bloody-shouldered horses are not born with their unusual markings. They are born with solid coats, usually chestnut, that gradually turn a white-gray as they get older.