staffylover
Well-Known Member
My gypsy cob mare is mostly white with some bright chestnut patches. I have noticed that this year she has acquired some large (up to 2cm diameter) white spots on the chestnut patches. She is completely healthy, as is her coat. The chestnut colour is not affected in any way, and the spots are pure white and distinct. They are definitely not roaning of any sort. I understand they may be Birdcatcher spots, named after a TB in the 1800s who had them. Anyone else got this? They must have appeared with her summer coat, as they were suddenly there, as it were, there was no gradual appearance. I have read that one theory is that it is due to copper deficiency. I understood that copper deficiency leads to paler pigmentation throughout. This is definitely not the case, and she really is in good health and sparkling form, plus being fed a good balancer and chaff. Someone told me it might be connected with the minerals in her diet. She is fed supplementary magnesium chloride and salt, for the health of her feet. Any comments ?