IMEHA & TOPSA Color Guide
and Reference Links

By Stephanie Michel


 

.

Color Descriptions

Base Colors

Color/Shade

Description

Links To Examples

Black – Fading / Summer Black

Black that fades from the sun and weather and may have a reddish or “worn” look to it.  The most notable areas of fading occur in the mane, back, flanks and head area.

http://www.minihorse.dragnet.com.au/images/hap.jpg

http://www.equinecolor.com/black.html

http://www.minihorse.dragnet.com.au/images/domisb.jpg

http://www.minihorse.dragnet.com.au/images/treas.jpg

http://www.minihorse.dragnet.com.au/images/kayleses.jpg

 

Black – Non Fading / Jet Black / Raven Black

A true black horse has a black coat, mane, tail, and legs.  The hair around the eyes, muzzle and in the flanks are also black. The color does not become sunburned or fade from effects of sun and weather.

http://www.equinecolor.com/black.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/black9.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/jetblack2.jpg

http://www.aghr.com/images/black.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/black4.jpg

 

Chestnut

Red toned coat with legs the same color as body.  The mane and tail can be a shade darker, same color as or a shade lighter than the body color.   

http://www.equinecolor.com/chestnut.html

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat4.jpg

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat5.jpg

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat6.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/chestnut8.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/sorrel4.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/chestnut3.jpg

 

Flaxen Chestnut

Red toned coat with legs the same color as body.  The mane and tail are flaxen.  Not to be confused with palomino, which will have a yellow tint to the coat instead of red.

http://www.equinecolor.com/chestnut.html

http://www.icelandichorse.is/Glofext.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/sorrel7flax.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/chestnut7.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/chestnut6.jpg

 

Red Chestnut

Bright red toned coat with legs the same color as body.  The mane and tail are normally the same color as or a darker shade of the body color.

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat5.jpg

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat6.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/sorrel4.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/chestnut9.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/chestnut2.jpg

 

Liver Chestnut / Black Chestnut

Red toned to almost black coat with legs the same color as body.  The mane and tail may be the same color as or a darker shade of the body color.  Sometimes the mane and tail are so dark as to appear black but usually has a red tint to it in different light.  Mane and tail may also be flaxen or partially flaxen colored.

http://www.equinecolor.com/chestnut.html

http://www.icelandichorse.is/gloa.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/livchqh.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/chestnut12blk.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/chestnutdark.jpg

 

Golden Chestnut

Coat is red-gold with the legs the same color as the body.  The mane and tail may be the same color as the body, a lighter shade of the body or flaxen.  The flaxen expression is not to be confused with palomino, which will not have the red tint to the coat.

http://haflingerhorse.com/images/standard.jpg

http://www.wh-arabians.demon.co.uk/studcard1.jpg

http://www.imh.org/imh/bw/images/hafturn.jpg

 

Sorrel

Yellow toned coat with legs the same color as body.  The mane and tail are the same color as or a lighter shade of the body color.  

http://www.equinecolor.com/chestnut.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/sorrel9blond.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/haf3.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/haf4.jpg

 

Albino

Pure white coat with PINK eyes and skin.  The true Albino gene HAS NOT been found in the Equine gene pool.  A white colored horse is the product of other genes (or combination of) such as grey, crème, champagne or any of the pinto pattern genes.

Example:  Albino squirrel

 

Color Descriptions

Dilute Colors

Color/Shade

Dilution Gene

Description

Links To Examples

Amber Champagne

Champagne on Bay

Coat is a gold toned brown usually with a metallic sheen.  The skin is a mauve/pumpkin freckled color.  The mane, tail and legs are brown with the legs being a lighter shade.  The eyes are amber.  This color is often mistaken for buckskin or dun but can be told apart by the skin color.

http://www.ichregistry.com/amber.htm

Classic Champagne

Champagne on Black

Coat is a lilac shaded tan usually with a metallic sheen.  The skin is a mauve/pumpkin freckled color.  The mane, tail and legs are a darker shade of the body color.  The eyes are amber.  This color is often mistaken for grulla and lilac dun but can be told apart by the skin color and lack of dun factor markings. 

http://www.ichregistry.com/classic.htm

 

Sable Champagne

Champagne on Brown

Coat is a gold toned brown (between Amber and Classic shades) usually with a metallic sheen.  The skin is a mauve/pumpkin freckled color.  The mane, tail and legs are brown.  The eyes are amber.  This color is often mistaken for buckskin or dun but can be told apart by the skin color.

http://www.ichregistry.com/sable.htm

 

Gold Champagne

Champagne on Chestnut

Coat is yellow/gold toned from almost white to a deep gold usually with a metallic sheen.  The skin is a mauve/pumpkin freckled color.  The mane and tail are flaxen or a lighter shade of the body.  The eyes are amber.  This color is often mistaken for palomino but can be told apart by the skin color (palomino has black skin).

http://www.ichregistry.com/gold.htm

 

Amber Cream Champagne

Champagne/Cream on Bay

Coat color is an almost white to a darker somewhat gold shaded light cream usually with a metallic sheen.  The skin is a mauve/pumpkin freckled color.  The mane, tail and legs are a darker shade of the body color with some brown coloration in the tail and lowest part of the legs.  The eyes are amber or green. 

http://www.ichregistry.com/mixtures.htm

 

 

Classic Cream Champagne

Champagne/Cream on Black

 

http://www.ichregistry.com/mixtures.htm

 

Sable Cream Champagne

Champagne/Cream on Brown

Coat color is a somewhat gold shaded light cream or tan usually with a metallic sheen.  The skin is a mauve/pumpkin freckled color.  The mane, tail and legs are a light brown.  The eyes are amber or green. 

http://www.ichregistry.com/mixtures.htm

 

Gold Cream Champagne

Champagne/Cream on Chestnut

Coat white or yellowish white usually with a metallic sheen.  The skin is a mauve/pumpkin freckled color.  The mane, tail and legs are the same color as the body.  The eyes are amber or green. 

http://www.ichregistry.com/mixtures.htm

 

Palomino

Single Cream on Chestnut

Coat is yellow toned ranging from Isabella (almost white) to gold to a dark smutty palomino that is almost black.  Mane and tail are light colored with at LEAST 85% of the hair being white.  The eyes are brown or amber.  Not to be confused with flaxen chestnut which will have a red tint to the coat instead of yellow.

http://www.equinecolor.com/cream.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/palomino.htm

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat11.jpg

http://www.icelandichorse.is/Leirljos.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/palomino.htm

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/palominoshades.html

 

Isabella

Single Cream on Chestnut

The lightest shade of Palomino, the coat is almost white.  Mane and tail are light colored with at LEAST 85% of the hair being white.  The eyes are brown or amber.

http://www.equinecolor.com/cream.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/palomino11lt.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/palomino13.jpg

 

Caramel Palomino / Chocolate Palomino

Single Cream on Chestnut

The darkest shade of Palomino, the coat is a dark caramel/chocolate color.  Mane and tail are light colored with at LEAST 85% of the hair being white.  The eyes are brown or amber.

http://greenfield.fortunecity.com/dreams/799/hc/palomino14dk.jpg

http://greenfield.fortunecity.com/dreams/799/hc/palomino7dk.jpg

http://www.doubledilute.com/images/cinnabargold2.jpg

http://www.virtualhorses.com/sales/palominos/PalominoMareForSale.jpg

http://www.premierpub.com/finder/images/qh/d/days-tuff-gold-slide40.jpg

http://www.barcqh.com/pictures/stud_adh.jpg

 

Sooty Palomino/

Smutty Palomino

Single Cream on Chestnut

The sooty/smutty modifier darkens the coat giving it a “dirty” look and often causes heavy dappling. Mane and tail are light colored with at LEAST 85% of the hair being white.  The eyes are brown or amber.

http://greenfield.fortunecity.com/dreams/799/hc/dappalo.jpg

http://greenfield.fortunecity.com/dreams/799/hc/sootypal.jpg

http://greenfield.fortunecity.com/dreams/799/hc/dkpalofoal.jpg

http://www.doubledilute.com/images/chocpalomorgan.jpg

 

Smokey Black

Single Cream on Black

Coat looks like a Fading Black horse although some may be faded so much that they appear Brown.

http://www.equinecolor.com/cream.html

http://www.icelandichorse.is/globrunt.html

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/smokyblackphotos.html

 

Buckskin

Single Cream on Bay

Coat ranges from almost white/tan to almost black.  The main, tail and legs are usually black though sometimes they may be a dark chocolate color. 

http://www.equinecolor.com/cream.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/buckskin.htm

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat10.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/bu.htm

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/buckskinphotos.html

 

Cremello

Double Cream on Chestnut

Coat color is an almost white to a darker somewhat gold shaded cream.  Mane and tail are same color as body or a shade lighter.  They will ALWAYS have pink skin and blue eyes.  

http://www.equinecolor.com/cream.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/doubledilute.htm

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat12.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/cremello_p.htm

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/cremellophotos.html

 

Smokey Cream

Double Cream on Black

Coat color is an almost white to a darker somewhat red/orange shaded cream.  Mane, tail and legs are a darker shade of the body color.  They will normally have pink skin and blue eyes. 

http://www.equinecolor.com/cream.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/doubledilute.htm

http://www.doubledilute.com/smokycream.htm

 

Perlino

Double Cream on Bay

Coat color is an almost white to a darker somewhat red shaded cream.  Mane, tail and legs are a darker shade of the body color.  They will normally have pink skin and blue eyes.  

http://www.equinecolor.com/cream.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/doubledilute.htm

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/cremello_p.htm

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/perlinophotos.html

 

Dunalino

Single Cream/Dun on Chestnut

Coat is yellow toned ranging from cremelo (almost white) to gold to a dark smutty palomino that is almost black.  Mane and tail are light colored with at LEAST 80% of the hair being white.  Has dun-factor primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc)

http://duncentralstation.com/ShadesOfDun.html

http://duncentralstation.com/shades/FinallyDunIt.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/CremDun.jpg

http://www.vicspdi.com/ragtime/images/dazzle_baby1.jpg

 

Dunskin

Single Cream/Dun on Bay

Coat ranges from almost white/tan to almost black.  The main, tail and legs are usually black though sometimes they may be a dark chocolate color.  Also has dun-factor primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc)

http://duncentralstation.com/ShadesOfDun.html

http://duncentralstation.com/shades/Dunskin1lrg.jpg

http://duncentralstation.com/shades/CreamyDunskinlrg.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/shoulderstripe.jpg

http://www.dunmorgans.com/dun%20pl1.jpg

 

Red Dun / Chestnut Dun/Claybank Dun

Dun on Chestnut

Red toned coat with mane, tail and legs a darker shade of the body color.  The head will often be darker like a roan horse.  There will always be primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) present.

http://www.equinecolor.com/dun.html

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/images/reddunfilly8_10.jpg

http://duncentralstation.com/markings/Spicedapples.jpg

http://duncentralstation.com/ShadesOfDun.html

http://www.icelandichorse.is/imageV15.JPG

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/reddun6.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/reddunsm.jpg

 

Apricot/Peach Dun

Dun on Chestnut

A peach/apricot toned red coat with mane, tail and legs a darker shade of the body color.  There will always be primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) present.

http://www.icelandichorse.is/MaistjarnaSKr.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/dunstripe.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/reddunm&f.jpg

 

Olive Grulla / Olive Grullo / Dove Grulla / Dove Grullo / Lobo Dun

Dun on Brown

Coat is brown toned.  Mane, tail and points are more of a dark brown than black and primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) are present.

http://www.icelandichorse.is/GalsiVarmal1.jpg

http://www.icelandichorse.is/GeislaNistingur.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/dkgolddun.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grulla1.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/olivegrulla.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/grullo.jpg

 

Grulla / Grullo

Dun on Black

Coat color typically has a bluish grey tone but also may have a dove brown coloration.  Mane, tail and points are black and primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) are present.

http://www.equinecolor.com/dun.html

http://www.grullablue.com/grullocolor.htm

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/images/Copy%20of%20Andy1.JPG

http://duncentralstation.com/ShadesOfDun.html

http://duncentralstation.com/markings/Wither2.jpg

 

Silver Grulla / Silver Grullo

Dun on Black

Coat is a creamy silver color.  Mane, tail and points are blue-black and primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) are present.

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/grullastallion.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grulmaredunfoal.jpg

http://www.kigermustangs.org/dundee.jpg

http://www.spanishmustang.org/horses/color/sundower1497.jpg

http://www.horsecity.com/ARROWCHIP/twobabies_012F.jpg

http://enloequarterhorses.com/images/grullacs/Foxy5.jpg

http://www.karmafarms.com/images/Dreamgiver3.jpg

 

Slate Grulla / Slate Grullo

Dun on Black

Coat is a slate blue or brown color.  Mane, tail and points are black and primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) are present.

http://www.icelandichorse.is/MosaGeorgs.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grullam&f.jpg

http://www.horsecity.com/ARROWCHIP/pics/2004/june/fancy_magic_show4a.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grulla7.jpg

 

Bay Dun / Zebra Dun

Dun on Bay

Coat color can range from light to deep tan.  Mane, tail and points are black or dark brown.  Dun can be told apart from Buckskin by the presence of primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc)

http://www.equinecolor.com/dun.html

http://www.dungenes.org/images/el_duc.jpg

http://duncentralstation.com/ShadesOfDun.html

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page2.htm

 

Buttermilk Dun

Dun on Bay

Coat is a pale cream.  Mane, tail and points are black and primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) are present.

http://enloequarterhorses.com/images/grullacs/Rue1.jpg

http://www.fdldotnet.com/~coehoorn/images/zippogoldcard2.jpeg

http://www.icelandichorse.is/image9Q0.JPG

 

Coyote Dun

Dun on Bay

The topline of the horse is a dark brown while the underline is lighter.  Mane, tail and points are black and primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) are present.

http://www.drycreekranch.freehomepage.com/images/blackdungreen.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/lazyblightning/jpgs/ckmouse.jpg

http://www.minihorse.net/tumbleweed22JPG.JPG

http://www.royyates.com/sheryl-mease01.jpg

http://www.minihorse.net/eclipsefilly.JPG

http://bmhr.net/bmhr-web/BMHR2005/Misc_2005/coyote%20dun.jpg

 

Lilac Dun

Dun/Crème on Bay

Coat is a pale lilac/rosey color.  Mane, tail and legs are a shade of brown and the eyes are usually hazel.

http://www.icelandichorse.is/imageCKU.JPG

http://www.whoabegonefarm.com/images/inform1.jpg

http://www.horsecity.com/ARROWCHIP/Kari_Dottie72800.jpg

 

Silver Black

Silver on Black

Lightest coat color is a silvery grey and the darkest is a chocolate brown which ranges from a light chocolate to almost black.  Mane and tail can range from a dirty slate color to a silvery white.  Some Silver Black horses may have darker points but they will have lighter hairs mixed in with the darker ones which will separate them from a black pointed horse.

http://www.equinecolor.com/silver.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/silverdapple.htm

http://www.icelandichorse.is/silverdapple.html

http://www.mustangs4us.com/New2/4297-3.jpg

 

Silver Bay

Silver on Bay

Silver does not physically affect red pigment so the coat will keep the normal Bay colored body. The legs range from a light sooty color to a dark slate color. The mane and tail will range from almost white to a darker, slate color.

http://www.equinecolor.com/silver.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/silverdapple.htm

http://www.icelandichorse.is/silverbay.html

http://www.rockinbarh.com/Geldings/rumbaarena.jpg

 

Color Descriptions

Modified Colors

Color

Modifier Gene

Description

Links To Examples

Dappled Grey

Grey on any color

Any shade of grey with 30% to 80% of dappling over the body.

http://www.equinecolor.com/grey.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/gray.htm

http://www.icelandichorse.is/FaniBody.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/greywithdorsal.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grey8dap.jpg

http://www.irishdraught.ie/pix/horses/idh-stdex.jpg

 

Flea-Bitten Grey

Grey any color

Coat is light grey with small flecks of black or red scattered throughout.  Color of mane, tail and legs depend upon the base color of the horse and the stage of graying it is at.

http://www.equinecolor.com/grey.html

http://www.icelandichorse.is/imageVVB.JPG

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/Greyfleabitten.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/grayfleabitten.jpg

 

Medium Grey / Dark Grey

Grey on any dark pointed color

Coat ranges from medium to very dark grey.  Mane and tail ranges from medium grey to almost black.

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/gray.htm

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/youngdarkgrey.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grey5dap.jpg

http://www.rockinbarh.com/Stallions/ds050102.jpg

http://www.rockinbarh.com/Geldings/fitz/fitz2.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/grayoddpatches.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/greyabhadon.jpg

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/TFMSkywalker.jpg

 

Mulberry Grey

Grey on Chestnut

The coat is white with red shading on the knees/legs.  The mane and tail are a dark red often with lighter almost white tips.  This coloration is found most often in the Andalusian breed.

http://thepermanentventure.com/WhiteHorse.jpg

http://www.collectingmodelhorses.com/images/00880.jpg

 

Rose Grey

Grey on any color

Coat retains a lighter shade of the base color (Bay , Chestnut, etc) as it greys giving it a reddish/pink coloration.  The mane, tail and leg color may lighten later than the body.

http://www.equinecolor.com/grey.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/greyyearling2.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grey15sl.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grey7rose.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/grayoddpatches3.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/grayneat.jpg

http://www.karmafarms.com/images/WindChime872002.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/greyrose1.jpg

 

Steel Grey / Iron Grey

Grey on Black

Coat is dark grey, sometimes with a bluish tint.  Mane, tail and legs are black.

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/TFMSkywalker.jpg

http://www.equinecolor.com/grey.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grey6dk.jpg

http://www.horsesamerica.com/Images/jpg/HolyBull.jpg

http://www.rockinbarh.com/Stallions/ds050102.jpg

http://www.rockinbarh.com/Geldings/fitz/fitz2.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/greyabhadon.jpg

 

White Grey / Light Grey

Grey on any color

Coat is light grey/white with a light grey/white mane and tail.

http://www.equinecolor.com/grey.html

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/gray.htm

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat2.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/grey9lt.jpg

 

Bay

Agouti on Black

Coat color can be any shade of red hued brown.  Mane, tail and legs are black.

http://www.equinecolor.com/bay.html

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat7.jpg

http://www.clevelandbay.com/charming%20boy2.jpg

http://www.ustrotting.com/services/breed/images/bay.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/bay4.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/bay9.jpg

 

Black Bay/Seal Bay

Agouti/Pangare on Black

Coat is dark brown to NEAR black.  The hair around the eyes, muzzle and flanks are normally a shade of red/brown.  The mane, tail and legs are black.

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/bay3dk.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/bay14dk.jpg

http://www.irishdraught.ie/pix/horses/cloverhill.jpg

http://www.aghr.com/images/brown.jpg

http://www.hiddenpointfarm.com/family_calling/ocalaace.jpg

 

Blood Bay/Cherry Bay/Copper Bay

Agouti on Black

Coat color is a bright shade of red hued brown.  Mane, tail and legs are black.

http://www.icelandichorse.is/imageB0B.JPG

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/bay6red.jpg

http://www.aghr.com/images/bay.jpg

http://www.ustrotting.com/services/breed/images/bay.jpg

http://members.optusnet.com.au/~sinamors/mypic1.jpg

http://thoroughbredchampions.com/sites/mumtaz/horsecolor/bay_light_bright_red.jpg

 

Mahogany Bay

Agouti on Black

Coat is a dark red (mahogany) color that may have an almost purplish cast.  Mane, tail and legs are black.

http://www.horsecolor.com/dilutions/cream/images/bay.ht11.jpg

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat9.jpg

http://members.tripod.com/akhaltekeamerica/rkhan.jpg

http://www.unicornerfarm.com/baymah.jpg

http://thoroughbredchampions.com/sites/mumtaz/horsecolor/bay_medium_clevelandbay.jpg

http://www.chez.com/kalisha/akhalteke_bai_trotte.jpg

http://www.horsecolor.com/dilutions/cream/images/bay.ht6.jpg

 

Sandy/Light/Gold Bay

Agouti on Black

Coat is a golden toned reddish brown.  Mane, tail and legs are black.

http://www.icelandichorse.is/image7IU.JPG

http://www.unicornerfarm.com/baysandy.jpg

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/akhalteke/Akhal1.jpg

http://members.tripod.com/akhaltekeamerica/sengar.jpg

http://www.payer.de/entwicklung/entw084a01.gif

 

Wild Bay

Agouti on Black

Coat color can be any shade of red hued brown.  Mane, tail and legs are black.  The black on the legs of a Wild Bay is restricted to the lower part legs in varying degrees.

http://www.equinecolor.com/bay.html

http://www.dungenes.org/images/Holly_zippers_1-2-04.JPG

http://www.dungenes.org/images/Sassy_back_legs_11-03-03.JPG

http://www.dungenes.org/images/Sassy_front_legs_11-03-03.JPG

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/baywild.jpg

 

Brown/Seal Brown

Pangare on Black

Coat is dark brown to NEAR black.  The hair around the eyes, muzzle and flanks are normally a shade of red/brown.  The mane and tail are black but the legs are the same color as the body, a shade darker or NEAR black.

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/bay2dk.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/brown2.jpg

http://www.irishdraught.ie/pix/horses/hunting-cal-dec.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/brown3.jpg

 

Color Descriptions

Other Color Modifiers

Modifier

Description

Links To Examples

Flaxen

This modifier affects the mane and tail of Chestnut based colors, causing them to lighten to a cream color or white.  It doesn’t always affect the mane and tail equally so one may be lightened while the other is not.

http://www.equinecolor.com/modifiers.html#flaxen

http://thoroughbredchampions.com/sites/mumtaz/images/chestnut_darkflaxen_flamethrower.jpg

http://thoroughbredchampions.com/sites/mumtaz/horsecolor/chestnut_lightflaxen.jpg

 

Sooty/Smutty

This modifier darkens any color.  It show minimally as a darkening of the topline and across the shoulders to darkening the color so much that it totally hides the true color of the horse.  In many cases the flanks, behind the elbows, buttocks, muzzle, around the eyes, along the belly and between the front/back legs will be lighter.

http://www.equinecolor.com/modifiers.html#sooty

http://members.aol.com/battyatty/count.htm

http://colormorgans.tripod.com/montanaharvest.gif

 

Pangare/Mealy

This modifier affects any color in the flanks, behind the elbows, buttocks, muzzle, around the eyes, and along the belly.  These areas are lightened from a light tan to white depending upon the color of the horse. 

http://www.equinecolor.com/modifiers.html#mealy

http://members.aol.com/battyatty/count.htm

http://www.icelandichorse.is/pangare.html

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/baymealy1.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/baymahoganysnowflake.jpg

 

Color Descriptions

Possible New Color Modifying Genes

Modifier/Dilution

Description

Links To Examples

Barlink Dilution

This is a previously unknown color gene/factor has been discovered that can mimic Champagne.  At this time it is linked to Barlink Mocho Man, his dam and any horse related to them may have this newly discovered gene.  It seems to be an incompletely dominant gene which, when doubled, yields a foal which looks like a champagne, but when mixed with one cream gene, yields a foal which looks like a double cream dilute (cremello) -- but which is neither!  In its single form it yields an undiluted color with some pink speckles on the dark skin.

http://www.ichregistry.com/Barlink%20article.doc

http://www.ichregistry.com/images/barlink_foal.jpg

http://www.ichregistry.com/identification.htm

 

Chica/Bravio Dilution

This is a possible new dilution gene found in the Andalusian and Lusitano horses.  It appears to function similarly to the Barlink gene but further study is being done to verify it’s existence and of how it functions.

http://www.ichregistry.com/identification.htm

 

Color Descriptions

Patterned Colors

Color

Pattern Gene

Description

Links To Examples

Blanket Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

White covers the hips and croup with spots in the white area.  The edges of the white area may be crisp or roaned.

http://www.equinecolor.com/app.html

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/AnAwesomeSecretrtpro.jpg

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/AnAwesomeSecretfltpro.jpg

http://www.coloradoranger.com/images/Thunderingsonny.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/phippencolormerilee.jpg

 

Extended Blanket Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

White covers the hips, croup and extends over the back sometimes to the shoulders with spots in the white area.  The edges of the white area may be crisp or roaned.

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat17.jpg

http://www.tigrehorse.com/ROYALTY/Lovestoryfoal2.jpg

http://www.tigrehorse.com/EagleSong_Tuff.jpg

http://www.tigrehorse.com/lovenme4.jpg

http://www.coloradoranger.com/images/2000acright11.jpg

 

Few Spot Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

This is the maximum expression of the Appaloosa coloring.  The horse is mostly white with a few spots found mostly on the head, neck, elbows or flank areas.

http://www.equinecolor.com/app.html

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/SilverB1a.jpg

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/FewspotSm.jpg

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~chrisson/smoke.jpg

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page1.htm

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page1.htm

 

Frost Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

White hairs scattered on the topline of the horse looks as if someone had sprinkled snow or frost on it.  It can be as little as a dusting along the back bone of the horse to going as far as the elbows and hips.

http://www.equinecolor.com/app.html

http://www.equusite.com/articles/basics/colors/images/basicsColorsAppyFrost1.jpg

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/Buckskin_285x233.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1029%20Colidas%20Blu%20Moon.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1285%20F3%20CJs%20Cimmaron.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/frostblkt.jpg

 

Lacey Blanket Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

A solid white blanket that is very lacey around the edges and is often quite small.

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/brightinfluence.jpg

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/files/dixiblktstud.jpg

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/Bay_285x233.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1213%20Spikes%20Brandy.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/smblkt2.jpg

 

 

Leopard Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

The coat is white with colored spots over the entire body.  The color of the spots are determined by the base color of the horse (example bay, chestnut, buckskin, etc)

http://www.equinecolor.com/app.html

http://www.tigrehorse.com/SPIDER_BLIZZIE.jpg

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/Leopard_285x233.jpg

http://www.amappaloosa.com/stallion/shadow5.jpg

http://www.amappaloosa.com/stallion/warcimmaron.jpg

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page6.htm

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page6.htm

 

Minimal Blanket Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

A very small white blanket that is located well on the top of the horse’s rump.

http://www.mountaintopinc.com/images/beamer071404.jpg

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/Black_285x233.jpg

http://www.qar.ca/2004/backbeat2.gif

http://www.riorondo.com/books/cft/

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1422%20Northern%20Illusion.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1456%20F3%20Shantaclare%20Sun.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/OaksRedHawk2002%2072.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/smblkt.jpg

 

Semi-Leopard Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

The body is white with colored spots with the head, neck and legs retaining the base color of the horse.

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1146%20F3%20Red%20Hawks%20Storm.jpg

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/houdinistallion.jpg

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page1.htm

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page2.htm

http://www.poac.org/images/ch_coatpattern2_lg.jpg

http://www.coloradoranger.com/images/DunRovenChelsea.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1497%20KO's%20Cayanne.jpg

http://www.icaainc.com/icaainc/images/1336%20Hana%20San.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/semileop.jpg

 

Snowcap Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

White covers the hips and croup, sometimes extending over the back up to the shoulders and around the belly.  There are NO spots in the white area.  The edges of the white area may be crisp or roaned.

http://www.equinecolor.com/app.html

http://www.mecate.org/reference/Figure4.jpg

http://www.mecate.org/reference/appy5.jpg

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/eagletardy1.jpg

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/Wicked%20Dreams2.jpg

http://www.equusite.com/articles/basics/colors/images/basicsColorsAppyBlanket2.jpg

 

Snowflake Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

This pattern consists of white spots instead of colored spots distributed randomly over the coat. 

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page2.htm

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page2.htm

http://www.equinecolor.com/app.html

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/bubba1a.jpg

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/dannynew1.jpg

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/DkBayBrn_285x233.jpg

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page6.htm

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/snowflake.jpg

 

Varnish Roan Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

Horses with this coloration are born a “normal” solid color and get lighter as they age.  The original coloration of the horse is retained over the prominent bony parts such as the hips, withers, shoulders, legs, facial bones, etc.  This lightening of the coat is NOT the same as the Greying gene!  Also, it is different from the classic Roan coloration and can be told apart from it by looking at the face.  A classic Roan will have a solid colored head while a Varnish Roan only has color on the bony parts of the face such as the ridge of the nose, cheek bones, etc.

http://www.coloradoranger.com/images/Exchequer.jpg

http://www.equinecolor.com/app.html

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/files/tangonew.jpg

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/files/Casper_at_4_years_old.jpg

http://www.tigrehorse.com/ROANS/Pepper2002.jpg

http://www.tigerhorses.org/images/Sky1.jpg

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/BayRoan_285x233.jpg

http://www.poac.org/images/ch_coatpattern3_lg.jpg

 

Tobiano

Tobiano

This pattern almost always has a “war shield” spot of color over the chest and shoulders plus a spot on each flank (sometimes it might be only one flank that is spotted but that is rare). Almost all Tobianos have white extending over the backbone and they have all white legs with 80% of them up to the knees or hocks or higher. One dark leg extending down to the fetlock is uncommon and one that has only a fetlock of white is even more rare. If facial marks are present they are “normal” markings like a blaze, or star, stripe and snip. An apron face or bald face would suggest the horse is a Tovero. Most Tobianos have mixed manes and or tails and the spots in the pattern usually have even, non-jagged edges. The pattern itself is usually smoother in looks overall than the Overo patterns.

http://www.equinecolor.com/tobiano.html

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/Tobicoat.html

http://www.unicornerfarm.com/spot-tob.htm

http://www.millersequine.com/edu/color1.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/PP2new.html

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat3.jpg

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat14.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/tobaino.htm

 

Moroccan/Moroccan Tobiano

Tobiano

The only color on the horse is the head and some hairs in the lower part of the tail.  (Has nothing to do with Morocco, is only the name given to this particular Tobiano pattern expression)

http://www.equinecolor.com/photos/moroccan.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/GamePointsIvory.jpg

 

Tovero

Tobiano/Overo or Tobiano/Overo/Sabino

This pattern is a combination of Tobiano and any of the Overo patterns  They range from extreme patterns like the medicine hat to the wild whole apron faced patterns. They also have excessive white in the mane and excessive white on all four legs. Overos with a Tobiano-like pattern but no white over backbone are usually Toveros.

http://www.equinecolor.com/mix.html

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/Tovero.html

http://www.millersequine.com/edu/color1.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/PP2new.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/overo.htm

http://www.coloredhorses.com/whitetovero.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/Bostonclassic.jpg

 

Overo

Overo

This pattern has solid color over the backbone from the withers to the tail bone and the underline is also solid color. The pattern spreads from belly to legs upward. A minimal overo will have less than 30% white on the body.

http://www.unicornerfarm.com/spot-ov.htm

http://www.millersequine.com/edu/color1.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/PP2new.html

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat18.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/overo.htm

http://www.nokotahorse.org/images/810210-03d.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/Oursirprize.jpg

 

Frame Overo

Frame Overo

This pattern looks like it has a “frame” of color surrounding the white.  Facial markings are always like normal face markings (star, strip, snip, blaze) and blue eyes are common (even without being surrounded by white).  The white will rarely ever cross the topline and the spots have more of a horizontal arrangement versus the more vertical arrangement seen in the Tobiano pattern.  Also, all legs are usually solid colored with this pattern.  Many times a horse with the Frame Overo pattern that has white face markings will have a rectangular “mustache”  along the upper lip.  The homozygous form of this gene is lethal (Overo Lethal White Syndrome).

http://www.equinecolor.com/frame.html

http://www.unicornerfarm.com/spot-ov.htm

http://www.millersequine.com/edu/color1.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/PP2new.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/MrNorfleet.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/otherframes.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/Trichrome.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/Mini04.jpg

http://www.equinecolor.com/photos/frame2.jpg

 

Splash White / Splash Overo

Splash or Overo/Splash

This pattern is usually categorized with the Overo pattern but, like Sabino,  is thought to be a separate gene.  Also like Sabino, Splash is often found in conjunction with other spotting genes.  The color looks like it was poured on from above and dribbling down the sides. 90% of Splash Whites have a dark topline and white underline. Almost all have white legs from knees and hocks down and may even have no solid color on legs at all. The top of the neck as well as the ears are almost always colored but the eyes are only rarely surrounded by color.  The eyes are also normally blue or grey.  The spots are always smooth with clearly defined edges like Tobianos and never jagged like Frame Overos or Sabino Overos. 

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/SplashedW.html

http://www.unicornerfarm.com/spot-ov.htm

http://www.millersequine.com/edu/color1.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/PP2new.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/splashed_white.htm

http://www.coloredhorses.com/Splashminis.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/Splashpaints.html

http://www.arkwild.org/history/history18.html

http://www.arkwild.org/history/history23.html

http://www.arkwild.org/history/history29.html

 

Sabino Overo

Overo/Sabino or Frame Overo/Sabino

This pattern has solid color over the backbone from the withers to the tail bone and the underline is also solid color. All legs are normally white with the pattern spreading from belly to legs upward as an Overo does but with roaning in most cases (crisp-edged spots are sometimes seen though) and it makes many Sabino Overo and Frame Overos hard to tell apart, especially in the minimally spotted ones. Many Sabino Overos have lacy edged spots with tiny flecks of color or white near the spot edges and these can be roaned spots within larger spots. The minimal expression of this pattern can show as little as only high white stockings to the extreme of nearly all white with body flecking around flanks, backbone, chest and ears. Wild facial markings like apron, bald faces, bonnets and roaning with flecking are always found and it is nearly impossible to find one with just a star, blaze or stripe. The manes and tails are usually solid colored but occasionally you will see one with white or roaning in the mane.

http://www.millersequine.com/edu/color1.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/PP2new.html

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/testnegLW.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/BlueMaxcu.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/usabino03.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/whitesabino.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/MrRobinBoy.jpg

 

Sabino

Sabino

This pattern is usually categorized with the Overo pattern but is actually a separate gene though it is often found in conjunction with other spotting genes.  It appears in breeds that DO NOT have pinto coloration in their gene pool (example:  Arabians and Clydesdales).  The Sabino gene also is not to be confused with the Roaning gene or Rabicano gene.  They are completely different genes that can sometimes occur together but are not necessarily indicative of the Sabino gene.  Common traits of this pattern are a bald face, wide-blaze or apron blaze that extends over the muzzle and under the jaw.  These may or may not have black spots on or around the muzzle and white that extends past where the bridle would lay.  High white stockings that extend past mid-knee or mid-hock and terminate in a point at the front of the leg or into disconnected leg markings are also a common characteristic.  Many times some form of body white, belly belly spots, girth spots etc. is found.  One form of the pattern looks like a  loudly marked Overo with lacey markings.  It is usually difficult to tell a Sabino from a Sabino Overo and many times genetic testing needs to be done to confirm whether or not the Overo gene is present.  In one of the minimal forms of the pattern the body is almost totally white.  Usually there are at least a few colored hairs in and around the ears.  This gene can also produce the Medicine Hat pattern that can also be found in the Tobiano and Overo patterns and can also be found in conjunction with one or both of these patterns as well. 

http://www.sabinohorseregistry.com/

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/Sabino.html

http://www.millersequine.com/edu/color1.html

http://www.coloredhorses.com/PP2new.html

http://www.goldhopefarm.com/rare_coloured_jc_registered_thor.htm

http://www.khartoonkhlassic.com/_borders/50toontrot.JPG

http://www.coloredhorses.com/arabianoveros.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/sabino.htm

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/SabSFJet.JPG

http://www.coloredhorses.com/whitesabino.html

 

Bay Roan/Red Roan

Roan on Bay

The body color may be a burgundy to pink tint with the head remaining a “normal” Bay color and the mane, tail and legs remaining Black.

http://www.equinecolor.com/roan.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/partroan.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/partroan3.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/roanbay.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/baypurpleroan1.jpg

 

Blue Roan

Roan on Black

The body color may be a grey, blue or purple tint with the head, legs, mane and tail remaining Black.

http://www.equinecolor.com/roan.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/blueroangrz.gif

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/blueroan3.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/blueroan1.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/roangrulla3.jpg

 

Chestnut Roan/Strawberry Roan

Roan on Chestnut

The body color may be a tan to pink tint with the head, legs, mane and tail remaining a “normal” Chestnut.

http://www.equinecolor.com/roan.html

http://www.icelandichorse.is/Raudlitforott.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/bayroan4.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/chestnutroan5.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/dkchroan.jpg

 

Bay Dun Roan

Roan/Dun on Bay

The body color may be a burgundy to pink tint with the head remaining a “normal” Bay Dun color and the mane, tail and legs remaining Black.  The dun-factor primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) will also be present.

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/dunroan3.jpg

http://rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/dunroan3.jpg

 

Corn Roan

Roan

This pattern can affect ALL colors.  The head, legs, mane and tail retain the original color while the rest if the body is lighter.  The lighter color on the body is caused by white hairs intermixed evenly with the base color of the horse.  In addition to this, there are darker spots of the “normal” base color scattered about on the body.  The darker spots were named “corn spots” due to their similarity in shape and coloring to the kernels found on Indian corn.

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/bluecornroan.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/blueroan3.jpg

http://www.thefurtrapper.com/images/WarChief.jpg

http://www.fortunecity.com/meltingpot/alabama/1446/fandangonat.jpg

http://www.nokotahorse.org/images/nocona.jpg

http://www.nokotahorse.org/images/RedBadger.jpg

http://www.horseoftheamericas.com/images/FourLanelft.jpg

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/roanspots.jpg

 

Pintaloosa

Tobiano/Overo/Tovero/ Leopard Complex

This pattern is a combination of any Pinto pattern(s) with any Appaloosa pattern(s).

http://www.equinecolor.com/mix.html

http://members.tripod.com/~spottedhorses/ishr-pintaloosa.html

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/files/pintaloosamini.gif

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/apppatterns3.html

 

Rabicano/Skunk Tail

Rabicano

A type of roaning in which the white hairs are confined to the flanks, ribs, and dock of the tail.  It is particularly prominent on the flanks, often appearing to follow the pattern of growth of the hairs.  Over the ribs the pattern can have a striped appearance.  In some horses only the dock of the tail is affected (skunk tail) and on such horses the tail may be partly or nearly all white. It can be told apart from Sabino by the white hairs at the base of the tail.

http://www.equinecolor.com/rabicano.html

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/Colors/rabicano.htm

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/bayrabicanotailhead.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/chestnutrabicano1.jpg

 

Color Descriptions

 Face Markings

Marking

Description

Links To Examples

Star

Any marking occurring on the horse's face between the eyes but above the eye line.

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/star2.jpg

http://www.ialha.org/images/face.gif

http://www.dungenes.org/images/Rick_To_A_Tee_eyes_1-2-04.JPG

http://www.icelandichorse.is/imageFNB.JPG

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/asc/asc146/F1.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/tx4/horselovers/horsemarkings.html

 

Strip/Stripe

Any marking below the eye and above the top of the nostrils but within the nasal bones.

http://www.ialha.org/images/face.gif

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/asc/asc146/F1.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/tx4/horselovers/horsemarkings.html

http://www.horsescanada.com/stripe.jpg

 

Blaze

A blaze is a large or wide marking which connects a star, stripe and snip. A blaze is always a combination of all three of these marks and therefore will never end above the nostrils. It extends close to the eyes, wide over the center of the face and bridge of the nose, and either extends almost the width of the nostrils or over part of all of each nostril.

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/Blaze2.jpg

http://www.ialha.org/images/face.gif

http://www.icelandichorse.is/blesa.jpg

http://www.icelandichorse.is/imageTEI.JPG

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/asc/asc146/F1.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/tx4/horselovers/horsemarkings.html

 

Bald Face

Any marking extending laterally to encompass both eyes, overlapping both nasal bones and covering the face down to the nostrils.

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/Bald2.jpg

http://www.ialha.org/images/face.gif

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/asc/asc146/F1.gif

http://www.sabinohorseregistry.com/throatsplashes.jpg

 

Apron Face

White extends along the jaw to throat latch often covering the whole muzzle.

http://www.khartoonkhlassic.com/75goodface.JPG

http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/~lvmillon/coatcolor/coat15.jpg

http://www.icelandichorse.is/imageTDT.JPG

http://sabinoarabians.com/Mares/bluelace1.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/tx4/horselovers/horsemarkings.html

 

Race

A stripe that goes off to one side instead of straight down the face.

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/striperace.jpg

http://www.cleesaddlery.co.uk/childrenandquizzes/face/facerace.gif

 

Bonnet/War Bonnet

The whole face/head is white with color only appearing on the ears.  Seen most often with the Medicine Hat pinto pattern.

http://www.loboappaloosas.com/Black_285x233.jpg

http://www.users.qwest.net/~mjh/stinky2.jpg

http://www.imh.org/imh/bw/images/pt_joe.jpg

http://www.imh.org/imh/bw/images/pt_rope.jpg

http://www.coloredhorses.com/Bostonclassic.jpg

http://www.sshbea.org/images/HytoneHollywood.jpg

http://bmhr.net/bmhr-web/BMHR2005/Misc_2005/bonnet.jpg

http://www.unicornerfarm.com/tob-t6.jpg

 

Snip

A snip is any mark found below the top of the nostrils and can go down to and including the lower lip. Snips can enter into one or both nostrils, or extend to the lip.

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/snip2.jpg

http://www.ialha.org/images/face.gif

http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/asc/asc146/F1.gif

http://www.angelfire.com/tx4/horselovers/horsemarkings.html

http://www.horsescanada.com/snip.jpg

 

Upper Lip Spot

Any marking below the nostrils but still on the upper lip.

 

Lower Lip Spot/  Chin Spot

Any marking on the lower lip and/or chin.

http://www.sabinohorseregistry.com/lipspot.jpg

http://www.mustangs4us.com/colors/chinspot.jpg

http://www.mustangs4us.com/colors/Sparkybabychin.jpg

http://www.mustangs4us.com/colors/color%20shots%20033_small.jpg

 

Color Descriptions

Leg Markings

Marking

Description

Links To Examples

Heel

A white marking that may be found across the entire heel or just on one side.

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/heel.jpg

http://www.mountedsquadhorses.com/insideheel.jpg

http://www.mountedsquadhorses.com/outsideheel.jpg

http://www.mountedsquadhorses.com/bothheels.jpg

 

Coronet

White occurs as the first inch above the hoof and extends all around the hoof including the heel.

http://www.walkerswest.com/legs.htm

http://www.ialha.org/images/feet.gif

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/Coronet.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/equinekids/Coronet.gif

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/LegMarkings/coronet.jpg

 

Half-Pastern

A white marking that extends to midway between the coronet and the ankle.

http://www.ialha.org/images/feet.gif

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/hfpast.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/tx4/horselovers/horsemarkings.html

http://www.mountedsquadhorses.com/halfpastern.jpg

 

Pastern

White extends from the top of the hoof to the bottom of the ankle or fetlock joint.

http://www.ialha.org/images/feet.gif

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/past.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/equinekids/Pastern.gif

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/LegMarkings/past1.jpg

 

Partial Pastern

A pastern marking which is irregular and extends to the ankle joint at only one point.

http://www.horsesquarter.com/bconclusifiedspoison.jpg

http://www.appaloosa.com/registry/images/buckskin.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/LegMarkings/distal1ermine_spot.jpg

 

Fetlock/Ankle

A white marking that extends from the top of the hoof to the top of the ankle joint.

http://www.walkerswest.com/legs.htm

http://www.ialha.org/images/feet.gif

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/Ankle.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/equinekids/Fetlock.gif

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/LegMarkings/ankle1.jpg

 

Sock

White that extends no more than half way up the cannon bone.

http://www.walkerswest.com/legs.htm

http://www.ialha.org/images/feet.gif

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/sock.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/equinekids/Sock.gif

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/LegMarkings/sock1.jpg

 

Stocking

Any white marking extending from the hoof and covering the leg up to or above the knee or hock

http://www.walkerswest.com/legs.htm

http://www.ialha.org/images/feet.gif

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/stock.jpg

http://www.angelfire.com/tx3/equinekids/Stocking.gif

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/LegMarkings/stock1.jpg

 

Ermine Spots/Distal Spots

Dark spots on a white leg marking.  They are often close to the hoof, especially where there is hoof striping.

http://www.equinecolor.com/photos/ermine1.jpg

http://web.vet.cornell.edu/public/cuerp/Distal.jpg

http://www.rightlead.com/Educational/LegMarkings/distal1ermine_spot.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/chestnuterminespots.jpg

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/bayerminespots.jpg

 

Lightning Mark

Irregular white markings on the legs that do not contact the hoof.

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/files/lightningmarks.JPG

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/appylegs1.jpg

 

Color Descriptions

Other/Miscellaneous Markings

Marking

Description

Links To Examples

Bend Or Spots/ Ben d'Or Spots

These are small to large spots of color that range from a couple of shades darker than the base coat to very dark, almost black. They're most commonly seen on Chestnuts and Palominos but also occur on darker colors, they're just harder to see. These are randomly distributed on a horse. These may not be present at birth, some horses may not get them until they are a few years old and some horses may not get them for several years.

http://www.equinecolor.com/unusual.html#bendor

http://www.icelandichorse.is/BendOrBlesi1.jpg

http://www.icelandichorse.is/BendOrBlesi2a.jpg

http://nl.msnusers.com/solidhorses/bendorspots.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=399

http://nl.msnusers.com/solidhorses/bendorspots.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=123

 

Birdcatcher Spots

These are small spots of white on the body of the horse, generally the size of an eraser head to the size of a quarter and can be larger.  The spots may disappear and reappear randomly from season to season and are not known for sure to be connected to any other spotting pattern.

http://www.equinecolor.com/unusual.html#bird

http://nl.msnusers.com/solidhorses/bendorspots.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=587

http://www.users.bigpond.com/shalzara/vonetta.htm

http://www.users.bigpond.com/shalzara/vonetta.h1.jpg

Brindle

A very rare pattern that results in a black or dark pigment striping on any base coat, though it most commonly occurs on colors with black points. Brindle seems to reorganize the dark hairs in the sooty modifier into a vertical striping pattern. The stripes are narrow and random, similar in appearance to the stripes sometimes seen in dog breeds such as the boxer and the greyhound. It usually doesn't affect the head and legs as much as it does the body with the heaviest concentrations of brindling being on the neck, shoulders and hindquarters.

http://members.aol.com/brindlehos/dunbar.jpg

http://members.aol.com/brindlehos/dunbar2.jpg

http://www.elcascabel.com/brindlepictures.html

http://members.aol.com/brindlehos/

http://www.equinecolor.com/unusual.html#brindle

http://www.ibha.net/MoreSalsa2.jpg

http://members.aol.com/brindlehos/dan.jpg

http://members.aol.com/brindlehos/silver.jpg

http://members.aol.com/brindlehos/salsa.jpg

 

Lacing/Giraffe Pattern

This pattern consists of lighter or white hairs that connect in a way that the solid color of the horse looks like a giraffe pattern or lacy cobweb pattern.  It is usually found over the hips, back and withers of the horse.  It is unknown what causes this pattern.

http://www.equinecolor.com/unusual.html#lacing

http://members.aol.com/stripedhos/giraffe.htm

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/files/lacingClassy.jpg

 

Tetrarch Spots / Chubari Spots

Large white spots that appear occasionally on graying Thoroughbreds and Akhal-Tekes.  It is unknown at this time what causes this spotting.

http://www.equinecolor.com/grey.html

 

Blood Spots/Bloody Shoulder

A large concentration of flea-bite marks on a graying horse.  The most common areas where they are found are on the shoulders and/or neck but may be found elsewhere on the horse.  This marking is most common in the Arabian breed but can be found in any breed that has the grey gene.

http://www.equinecolor.com/grey.html

http://www.ultimatehorsesite.com/horsecolor/bloodmarks3.jpg

 

Counter Shading

A marking consisting of a stripe tracking along the backbone from the mane to the tail on a NON-DUN factor colored horse.  Usually this disappears or becomes less visible after the horse sheds it’s foal coat. These are not "true" Duns, this is like camouflage, similar to fawns or baby lions having spots that fade as they get older.  Sometimes the horse will keep the stripe along it’s back but there are no other primitive markings found which will help determine that it is counter shading, not Dun factor.

http://equinecolor.com/photos/counterdorsal.jpg

http://equinecolor.com/photos/fakedorsal.jpg

 

Primitive Markings

Markings associated with the Dun gene that include dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, face mask, shoulder bar and ear striping/outline.

http://members.aol.com/stripedhos/dunfact.jpg

http://duncentralstation.com/DunMarkings.html

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/images/Copy%20of%20Andy1.JPG

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/Dun%20Factors/Leg%20Barring.htm

 

Cobwebbing

Cobwebbing starts under the forelock and appears as dark lines extending in varying lengths over the forehead or around the eyes.

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/Dun%20Factors/Cob_Webbing.htm

http://duncentralstation.com/markings/Stormycobwebbing.jpg

http://www.equinecolor.com/photos/cobwebclose.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/Gcobweb.JPG

 

 

Dorsal Stripe

A Dun factor marking consisting of a stripe tracking along the backbone from the mane to the tail.  Many times it will have small prongs emanating from it out to the sides giving it a spidery look.   It is normally a darker shade of the body color or black.  If a back stripe is found on other colors it is most likely to be Counter Shading.

http://www.dungenes.org/images/charm_dorsal.jpg

http://www.dungenes.org/dorsal_stripe.htm

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/Dun%20Factors/Dorsal%20Stripe.htm

http://duncentralstation.com/DunMarkings.html

http://www.mfthba.com/ColorPanel/duns/cp9-1a.jpg

 

Face Mask

The top portion of the face is a darker/smutty shade than the body.  It is not to be confused with a dark-headed roan.

http://www.dungenes.org/images/intrigue.jpg

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/Dun%20Factors/Face%20Mask.htm

http://www.icelandichorse.is/kolott.jpg

 

Leg Bars

A Dun factor marking consisting of horizontal (Zebra) striping on the upper portion of the legs.  They are normally a darker shade of the body color or black.

http://www.dungenes.org/images/charm_forelegs.jpg

http://www.dungenes.org/images/wpe4C.jpg

http://www.dungenes.org/images/diamonds_hocks.jpg

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/Dun%20Factors/Leg%20Barring.htm

http://duncentralstation.com/markings/Dunalino-DunItlegbars.jpg

http://duncentralstation.com/DunMarkings.html

http://www.mfthba.com/ColorPanel/duns/cp9-2a.jpg

http://members.aol.com/battyatty/legbars.jpg

 

Shoulder Bars/Transverse Stripes

Vertical striping that is a darker shade of the body color or black appearing on the withers. 

http://www.dungenes.org/images/Shoulder_and_dorsal.jpg

http://www.buckskinquarterhorses.com/Dun%20Factors/Shoulder.htm

http://duncentralstation.com/markings/Stormycobwebbing.jpg

http://www.mfthba.com/ColorPanel/duns/cp9-3a.jpg

 

Ink Spots / Paw Prints

Dark spots (1-3 inches wide) found on the white Tobiano markings.  These tend to show up on homozygous individuals (two tobiano genes), but also happen on heterozygous (one tobiano gene) individuals

http://www.foresthorse.com/colorfiles/chestnutoddfacial.jpg

http://www.equinecolor.com/photos/pawprints.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/CatPaw.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/Baja/Outback/2936/InkSpots.jpg

 

Peacock Spots/Halo Spots

The spots on an Appaloosa that are surrounded by shading caused by the dark skin underneath the white of the blanket.  The effect makes the spot look similar to the spots found on a peacock’s tail.

http://www.justappaloosas.com/stud/houdinistallion.jpg

http://cspotsminiaturehorses.homestead.com/files/Chips_at_5_years_old_Halo_spots.jpg

http://www.sawyercreek.com/page2.htm

http://www.wyomingappaloosaranch.com/images/PSRH03.jpg

 

 


Page updated November 4, 2004

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