Lacing is white lace looking markings that appear along the spine. It's also called marbling, cobwebbing catbacked, or giraffe markings. It usually starts along the spine and goes outwards on the back. Sometimes there's just a little bit and sometimes it covers the entire back. It appears over time as the pony ages.
Various non-genetic theories are from a fungal infection like rain rot or where the skin was damaged. But many horses with lacing haven't had a skin issue. Mineral deficiencies are also a theory. There have been some cases in other breeds where lacing appears to run in families. Only one occurrence has been found so far in Chincoteague Ponies.
Lacing on the middle back of a black tobiano. Developed in her early teens and the only known occurrence in her family.
Misty's Storm Chaser (Cezanne x Misty's RainDrop) Pedigree |