Which term describes the patterns of hair in horses that often appear in a spiral shape on the forehead?

The term that describes the patterns of hair in horses that often appear in a spiral shape on the forehead is "whorls." Whorls are distinctive patches of hair that grow in a circular or spiral pattern, and they can be found on various parts of a horse's body, including the forehead. These patterns can vary in size and shape, and they are often used as identifying marks for individual horses. The presence of whorls can also be an important factor in horse evaluation, as they may indicate certain breed characteristics or other traits.

The other options are less specific to the distinct spiral or circular patterns that whorls represent. Stripes generally refer to elongated markings or color variations, while flecks denote small spots or dots within the coat. Patterns are a more general term and do not specifically describe the unique spiral formation seen in whorls. Understanding these terms helps in accurately identifying and describing a horse's physical traits in evaluation contexts.