Hair whorls and patterns?

Mm...not sure where to put this, its not really a grooming issue, but it does involve hair:P

A few weeks ago, I was out visiting the farm and I noticed something I've never seen before: my weanling has a set of matching hair whorls, one on each side of his face, right above the muzzle. Was just wondering if anyone has ever seen such a thing?

Of course, it also piqued my interest involving the reading of hair patterns and whether or not they affect temperment...I was kind of surprised to find actual research on the subject (mostly using cattle), so if anyone knows anything about that as well, I'd like to hear about it. I believe Linda Tellington-Jones has written some on the subject, but I think it must be a book I don't have.

Right side:


Left side:

Interesting concept. I know there was a book about head shape and temperament by Jesse Berry back in the 1800's early 1900's (?). I'm not sure how much scientific research was done for it, but it seemed fairly right on from what I remember.
Your colt looks a lot like my filly Shiloh, same coloring. Handsome fellow

Several years ago, Equus did an article about the positioning/number/etc. of hair whorls on the heads of horses and their potential relationship to temperament, behavior, and intelligence. It sparked an angry response from many readers stating that Equus shouldn't be printing such "nonsense" because they are usually a highly respected magazine that only prints "the facts."

Personally, I thought the article was very interesting!

I wonder if its along the same lines as phrenology (sp?) reading the bumps on the head?

Haha, yeah, personally, I rank it up there with astrology signs, but some of the research I found was interesting...basically along the lines that the growth of the brain in the fetus actually effects whorl placement and how many whorls a horse might have on its head.

Historically, in the middle and far east, people placed great importance on the placement of hair whorls, but I didn't learn much beyond that.

At any rate, I guess the "dimples" on my colt will make him easy to identify.

My horse has three whirls. One one each flank, and one in the middle of his neck.

He's nothing special.

Wow, that's interesting! I've never seen that.

I've also heard that whirls in certain locations on the face or a certain number means they have certain personality traits. Not sure I really believe any of it tho.

Interesting photos. Have never seen a horse with them there. Cute foal tho.

yeah, i've heard that about whorls. I think Linda Tellington-Jones said that 2 whorles on the forehead (if i remember correctly) means that they're stubborn and unpredictable? I don't remember exactly! She used to have a page on her website about their profiles and the shape/placement of head/ears/eyes, etc and how they match with certain personalities.... I used to think it was all silly but it's actually really surprising how very accurate she can be!

Acually now you have mentioned it, my Quarab gelding has the exact same whorl as ur weanling. I have too heard about certain hair patterns inflicting their personality. Hmm interesting... :)