Which white leg marking encircles the hoof without extending to the leg?

The white leg marking that encircles the hoof without extending to the leg is known as the coronet. This marking is characterized by a band of white hair that wraps around the very top of the hoof, typically at the coronet band, which is the growth zone of the hoof. Because it does not reach up the leg, the coronet marking specifically distinguishes itself from other markings that extend higher on the limb, such as full stockings, half-stockings, or pasterns.

Understanding the nuances of these markings is important in horse evaluation as they can provide insights into the horse's breeding and establish identification traits. The other markings mentioned involve extensions of white hair higher up the legs or include more significant areas of white, which is why the coronet is specifically noted for being confined to the area around the hoof itself.