What does the term "blaze" refer to in horse markings?

The term "blaze" specifically refers to a prominent, wide white stripe that runs down the face of a horse. This marking typically extends from the forehead, between the eyes, and may continue to the nose, creating a striking visual feature that can help in identifying individual horses. The prominence of the blaze can vary; some horses may have a very broad blaze, while others might have a narrower version. Understanding such markings is essential for breed identification, conformation assessment, and even in the context of showing, where specific markings may be considered favorable traits.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of markings found on horses. A white mark on the neck is typically called a "stripe" or "snip," a mark on the belly doesn't have a specific common term but could refer to "whorls," and a small dot on the hooves would be referred to as "coronet" or "small blemishes," depending on their characteristics. Knowing the correct terminology helps in the general understanding of horse anatomy and identification.