IMEHA Color Guide and Reference Links
Compiled By Stephanie Michel

 

 

Base Colors

Modified Colors

Dilute Colors-Cream

Dilute Colors-Dun

Dilute Colors-Other

Other Solid Colors/White

Patterned Colors

Other Color Modifiers

Face Markings

Leg Markings

Other/Miscellaneous Markings


General Color Information Sites

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

http://www.horsecolor.com/

http://duncentralstation.com/

http://www.colorfulhorses.com/

http://ultimatehorsesite.com/colors/index.html

 

**Note/Disclaimer:  Depending upon where you live, some terms are interchangeable (example:  Chestnut/Sorrel).  The table below is a listing of horse colors and markings to help you identify the colors of your models. We are by no means geneticists and this is far from a complete list of colors. We have listed to the best of our ability and knowledge common colors/shades and their various regional names as well as which gene(s) make up those colors. There are also links to various examples for each color and marking.  Credit is given to photos where possible but some submitted photos need proper crediting.  If you know who should be credited for any of the Unknown Submitted photos please contact us so we may properly credit them (or remove them if permission was not properly obtained).  These color definitions have been adopted by IMEHA, BMHR and SMHR photo shows.


 

Color Descriptions

Base Colors

 

All horse colors are based upon two Base Colors:  Black and Red (Chestnut). There are at least 16 known factors that interact with these two Base Colors to produce each unique color and pattern.

 

Color

Class Number

Shade

(Common Names)

Dilution/Modifier

Description

Link To Examples
Black    

Black coat with legs, mane and tail also black.

 

 

 

Class #81

Non Fading Black

 

Jet Black

 

Raven Black

None

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorful Horses.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #81

Fading Black

 

Summer Black

None

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Colorful Horses.com

   Example 1

 

 

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 or flaxen.

 

Silver, Sooty Palomino or Liver Chestnut?

 

Class #82

Class #83 or

Class #84

 depending upon color of mane/tail

Flaxen Chestnut

 

Chestnut Ruano

None

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

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Class #82 Class #83

or

Class #84

 depending upon color of mane/tail

Red Chestnut

 

Chestnut Alazan

None

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 and may also be flaxen.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Class #82

Class #83

or

Class #84

 depending upon color of mane/tail

Liver Chestnut

 

Black Chestnut

None

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, partially flaxen colored or some shade of dark red.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Silver, Sooty Palomino or Liver Chestnut?

 

Class #85

or

Class #86

 depending upon color of mane/tail

Golden Chestnut None

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Shardell Arabian Stud

   Example 1

 

Examples From American Haflinger Registry

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #85

or

Class #86

 depending upon color of mane/tail

Sorrel None

Gold-red 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.  Offen seen with some extent of Pangare (lighter coloration on the muzzle and soft parts of body).  Not to be confused with palomino, which will not have the red tint to the coat.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From K&J Bridgeman

   Example 1

 

Examples From Living Being

   Example 1

 

Examples From DK Images

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horses And Horse Information

   Example 1

 

 

Color Descriptions

Modified Colors

 

Color Modifiers are genes that modify or restrict body color, mane and tail color or both. These modifiers can range from very subtle to very extreme.

 

(Difference Between Bay, Wild Bay and Brown)

 

Color

Class Number

Shade
(Common Names)
Dilution/Modifier

Description

Link To Examples
Bay/Brown    

Red toned coat with black legs, mane and tail.

 

 

 

Class #87

Brown

 

Seal Brown

Agouti(t) on Black

 

or

 

Agouti(t)/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 or tan.  The hair around the eyes, muzzle and flanks may be lighter (like a mule) when the Pangare Modifier is present.  The mane and tail are black but the legs are the same color as the body, a shade darker or NEAR black.

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Shardell Arabian Stud

   Example 1

 

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horse Colors Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

 

Examples From Robertson Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Class #87

Black Bay

 

Seal Bay

Agouti on Black

 

or

 

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 hair around the eyes, muzzle and flanks may be lighter (like a mule) when the Pangare Modifier is present.  The mane, tail and legs are black.

Examples From Irish Draught Horse Society, Ireland

   Example 1

 

Examples From American Grade Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cleveland Bay Horse Society

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Robertson Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Class #87

Brown Bay

Agouti on Black

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

Examples From Cleveland Bay Horse Society

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Horse Colors Site

   Example 1

 

Class #88

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.

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From American Grade Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Examples From US Trotting Association

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equiandalusian

   Example 1

 

Examples From Beams Ridge Rocky Mountain Horses

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #88

Mahogany Bay

 

Burgundy Bay

Agouti on Black

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

Examples From Cleveland Bay Horse Society

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Horse Colors Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #89

Sandy Bay

 

Light Bay

 

Gold Bay

Agouti on Black

Coat is a golden toned reddish brown.  Mane, tail and legs are black.  Not to be confused with Buckskin which will not have the red tint to the coat.

Examples From Equiandalusian

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Class #90

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 and sometimes as little as a ring around the coronet.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From American Grade Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Forest Horse/Color Freaks

   Example 1

 

Examples Of "Wild" Leg Markings From Dun Genes.org

  (Note:  Non-Dun Factor Colors Will Not Have Barring)

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 4

 

 

Grey    

Grey slowly removes the pigment from the base color, other modifiers and dilution genes that make up the original color of the horse. Grey has the unique ability to mask everything including any Pinto or Appaloosa patterns. No color is safe when Grey is present, as all horses that carry the Greying gene will end up a shade of grey or white.

 

 

 

Class #91

Class #92

or

Class #93

 

depending upon overall shade of horse

Dappled Grey

Grey on any color

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

Examples From Irish Draught Horse Society, Ireland

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equiandalusian

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Class #92

or

Class #93

 depending upon overall shade of horse

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Herradura Andalusians

   Example 1

 

Examples From Dana Arabians

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #92

or

Class #93

 depending upon overall shade of horse

Blood Spots

 

Bloody Shoulder

Grey any color

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Jocarta Egyptian Arabians

   Example 1

 

Examples From Alfano Arabians

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #91

Steel Grey

 

Iron Grey

Grey on Black

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

Examples From Equiandalusian

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Forest Horse/Color Freaks

   Example 1

 

Examples From Rockin Bar H Nokota Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #91

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.  Legs may retain color longer than body.

Examples From Equiandalusian

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Forest Horse/Color Freaks

   Example 1

 

Examples From Rockin Bar H Nokota Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Class #91

Dark Rose Grey Grey on any color

Coat retains a slightly lighter shade of the base color as it greys many times giving it a dark reddish/pink coloration.  The mane, tail and leg color may lighten later than the body.

Examples From Cedar Ridge Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Forest Horse/Color Freaks

   Example 1

 

Examples From Karma Farms

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Piaffe

   Example 1

 

Class #92

or

Class #93

 depending upon shade of points

Burgundy Rose Grey Grey on Bay

Coat retains a slightly lighter shade of the base color as it greys giving it a burgundy/red wine coloration.  The mane, tail and leg color may lighten later than the body.

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Rio Rondo

   Example 1

 

Examples From Huffmans Arabians

   Example 1

 

Class #92

or

Class #93

 

depending upon shade of points

Light Rose Grey

 

Medium Grey

Grey on any color

Coat retains a light shade of the base color as it greys giving it a reddish/pink coloration.  The mane, tail and leg color may be lighter than their original color as they start to grey.

Examples From Cedar Ridge Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equusite

   Example 1

 

Examples From Windt im Wald Farm

   Example 1

 

Class #92

or

Class #93

 depending upon shade of points

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.

Examples From The Permanent Venture

   Example 1

 

Examples From Fallen-Leaves

   Example 1

 

Examples From DK Images

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #93

Light Grey Grey on any color

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

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cedar Ridge Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Laughing Water Ranch

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equiandalusian

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

 

Color Descriptions

Dilute Colors - Cream

 

Dilution Genes do not *block* red or black from showing itself, but changes it to make it lighter ... or "diluted", like adding cream to coffee. 

 

Cream causes the base coat color to be lightened or diluted.  Red colors are lightened to tan or yellow which causes Bay to become Buckskin and Chestnut to become Palomino.

 

Color

Class Number

Shade
(Common Names)
Dilution

Description

Link To Examples
Palomino    

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.

 

Silver, Sooty Palomino or Liver Chestnut?

 

Class #94

Isabella

 

Light Palomino

Single Cream on Chestnut

The lightest shades 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.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Class #95

Palomino Single Cream on Chestnut

The ideal body coat color is approximately the color of a United States gold coin.  Mane and tail are light colored with at LEAST 85% of the hair being white.  The eyes are brown or amber.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Palomino Horse Association

   Example 1

 

Examples From High Plains Walkers

   Example 1

 

Examples From Krisean Performance

   Example 1

 

Examples From Oklahoma State University

   Example 1

 

Class #96

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.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Cremello & Perlino Educational Association

   Example 1

 

Examples From  Bar C Quarter Horse Company

   Example 1

 

Examples From Family Partners Welsh Ponies & Cobs

   Example 1

 

Class #96

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.  (May look "dirty" but is still lighter than body color).  The eyes are brown or amber.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From Silver Dapple Morgans Project

   Example 1

   Example 2

  

Silver, Sooty Palomino or Liver Chestnut?

 

 
Buckskin    

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

 

 

 

Class #97

Light Buckskin

 

Buttermilk Buckskin

Single Cream on Bay

Coat is a light tan to almost white.  The mane, tail and legs are usually black though sometimes they may be a dark chocolate color.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorful Horses.com

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #98

Buckskin

Single Cream on Bay

Coat is the tan color of a deer or gold coin.  The mane, tail and legs are usually black though sometimes they may be a dark chocolate color.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

 

Examples From Beams Ridge Rocky Mountain Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Laughing Water Ranch

   Example 1

 

Class #99

Dark Buckskin

 

Sooty Buckskin

Single Cream on Bay

Coat is a very dark tan to almost black, many times heavily dappled.  The mane, tail and legs are usually black though sometimes they may be a dark chocolate color.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 5

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Class #97

Class #98

or

Class #99

 depending upon coat shade

Wild Buckskin

Single Cream on Bay

Coat color can be almost white/tan to almost black.  Mane, tail and legs are black or dark chocolate brown.  The black or brown on the legs of a Wild Buckskin is restricted to the lower part legs in varying degrees and sometimes as little as a ring around the coronet.

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Ericas Tiny Trotters

   Example 1

 

Examples Of "Wild" Leg Markings From Dun Genes.org

  (Note:  Non-Dun Factor Colors Will Not Have Barring)

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 4

 

 
Perlino      

 

 

Class #100

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.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

   Example 5

 

 
Cremello      

 

 

Class #100

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.  

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

 
Smokey Cream      

 

 

Class #100

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. 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cremello & Perlino Educational Association

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

   Example 5

 

 
Smokey Black      

 

 

Class #100

Smokey Black Single Cream on Black

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

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

 

Color Descriptions

Dilute Colors - Dun

 

Dilution Genes do not *block* red or black from showing itself, but changes it to make it lighter ... or "diluted", like adding cream to coffee. 

 

Dun is one of the dilution genes that affects both black and red pigment. Unlike Silver or Cream, it has the ability to change the physical appearance of all Black, Bay or Chestnut based horses to some degree.

 

Color

Class Number

Shade
(Common Names)
Dilution

Description

Link To Examples
Dun    

Coat ranges from almost white/tan to almost black.  The mane, tail and legs are usually a darker shade of the body color. There will always be primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg bars, cobwebbing, etc) present. Sometimes the primitive markings can be so light as to be almost invisible or blend in to the dark part of the legs so much they can't be seen easily.

 

Dun Central Station

 

 

Class #101

Chestnut Dun

 

Red Dun

 

Rodblakk (Red Dun) 

   (Norwegian Fjord)

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.

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ed Dabney Gentle Horsemanship

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Now

   Example 1

 

Examples From Runnin Outta Time Farm

   Example 1

 

Examples From Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #101

Apricot Dun

 

Peach Dun

 

Claybank Dun

 

Gulblakk (Yellow Dun)

   (Norwegian Fjord)

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.

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From Hevosmaailma.net

   Example 1

 

Examples From Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry

   Example 1

  

Class #103

Olive Grulla/Grullo

 

Dove Grulla/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.

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Class #102

Grulla/Grullo

 

Grĺ (Grey Dun)

   (Norwegian Fjord)

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.

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Moonraker Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #102

Silver Grulla/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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Kiger Mesteno Association

   Example 1

 

Examples From Enloe Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Class #102

Slate Grulla/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.

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cedar Ridge Quarter Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Horsecity.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #103

Bay Dun

 

Zebra Dun

 

Brown Dun

 

Brunblakk (BrownDun)

   (Norwegian Fjord)

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)

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3  

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #103

Buttermilk Dun

 

Ulsblakk (White Dun)

   (Norwegian Fjord)

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.

Examples From Cedar Ridge Quarter Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Enloe Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Moonraker Quarter Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Class #103

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.

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #103

Wild 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).  The black or brown on the legs of a Wild Dun is restricted to the lower part legs in varying degrees and sometimes as little as a ring around the coronet.

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples Of "Wild" Leg Markings From Dun Genes.org

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 4

 

Class #103

Lilac Dun

Dun/Cream on Bay

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

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horsecity.com

   Example 1

  

 

Color Descriptions

Dilute Colors - Other

 

Dilution Genes do not *block* red or black from showing itself, but changes it to make it lighter ... or "diluted", like adding cream to coffee. 

 

 

Color

Class Number

Shade
(Common Names)
Dilution

Description

Link To Examples
Champagne    

Champagne dilutes red to a golden color, and black to a brown or taupe color.

 

International Champagne Horse Registry

 

Class #104

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.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #104

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. 

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #104

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).

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #104

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.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #104

Amber Cream Champagne

Champagne/Single 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 mane may also be frosted  The eyes are amber or green.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Class #104

Classic Cream Champagne

Champagne/Single Cream on Black

Coat color is a somewhat lilac 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.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

Class #104

Gold Cream Champagne

Champagne/Single 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.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

Class #104

Sable Cream Champagne

Champagne/Single 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.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

Class #104

Double Cream Champagne Champagne/Double Cream on Any Color

The horse will look practically white, with very pale pink skin and hardly any freckles. It must have a Cream Champagne parent and a Cream parent. It will always throw a cream gene and should produce Cream Champagnes as well.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

Class #104

Champagne Dun Champagne/Dun

Please see website for samples.  Not enough information at this time to break down Champagne/Dun on all 4 Champagne base colors.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

Class #104

Champagne Silver Champagne/Silver

Please see website for samples.  Not enough information at this time to break down Champagne/Silver on all 4 Champagne base colors.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

Class #104

Grey Champagne Champagne/Grey on Any Color

Grey affects Champagne by making the freckling darker and exaggerates the "flea-bitten" effect. of grey. The specks of color appear earlier in Champagnes and are much more numerous, often making the horse look "colored" and not grey at all from a slight distance.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

Class #104

Champagne Triple Dilutes  

Please see website for samples.  Not enough information at this time to break down among all 4 Champagne base colors.

 

Examples From International Champagne Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

 

Pearl    

The Pearl gene is a recessive, cream-activated, dilution gene.  One copy with no Cream gene shows no effect to color.

 

Two copies with no Cream gene on a chestnut coat produces a pale, uniform apricot color of base coat, mane and tail. Skin coloration is also pale.

 

One copy with a Cream gene produces a pseudo-double Cream including pale skin and blue/green eyes.

 

University of California Davis

 

Newdilutions.com 

 

Class #104

Pearl  

Please see website for samples.  Not enough information at this time to break down by shade.

Examples From Newdilutions.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

   Example 5

   Example 6

   Example 7

   Example 8

   Example 9

 

Examples From Friesian Forest

  Example 1

  Example 2

 

Examples From Homozygous Horses

   Example 1

 

 
Silver    

Silver only affects black and has no affect on red.  Black is changed to a silvery grey coloration up to an almost black chocolate brown.  Any red in the coat is unchanged.

 

University of California Davis

 

Silver Equine

 

Silver Dapple Morgans Project

 

Silver, Sooty Palomino or Liver Chestnut?

 

 

Class #105

Silver Black

 

Silver Dapple

 

Chocolate

 

Blue Silver

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.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From Silver Equine

   Example 1

 

Examples From Homozygous Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Global Horse Culture

   Example 1

 

Class #105

Silver Bay

 

Red Chocolate

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.

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Homozygous Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

 
Mixed Dilutes      

 

 

Class #106

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) though they may be so light that they may be very hard to see.

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #106

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)

Examples From Dun Central Station

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

 

Color Descriptions

Other Solid Colors

 

Color

Class Number

Shade
(Common Names)
Dilution/Modifier

Description

Link To Examples
White    

White is not a "true" color.  It is produced by either a modifier gene or by one or more pattern genes on any color base coat. 

 

A totally white Maximum Tobiano is relatively rare and more often shows as a Medicine Hat pattern.  The White pinto patterned horses most likely have Sabino1 or Maximum Tovero patterns.

 

University of California Davis

 

 

Class #107

White Grey Grey on any color

This term describes horses who have completed the greying process. All pigment in the hair, including that in the mane, tail and legs has been removed.  Skin and eye color depends upon what other color modifiers or dilutions the horse has.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Equusite

   Example 1

 

Examples From Wikipedia

   Example 1

 

Class #107

Dominant White White on any color

Horse is born completely white and stays white it's entire life. The skin is pink and the eyes will be brown, hazel or blue. 

 

This gene is lethal in its homozygous form.

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From Wikipedia

   Example 1

 

Examples From Oklahoma State University

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cowboy Frank

   Example 1

 

Class #107

Maximum/Extreme Sabino White Double Sabino1 on any color

Sabino1 is gene variant of Sabino and is not present in all sabino-patterned horses. Horses with 2 copies of this gene are at least 90% white and are referred to as Sabino-White.

 

At it's most maximum expression Sabino will cause the horse to be totally white, if any color remains it's usually as roan or speckled on areas such as the ears, tail base, chest and flanks, these areas may not have colored hair, it may just be the colored skin showing through the white hair.

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Missouri Fox Trotting  Horse Breed Association

   Example 1 (Horse On Right)

 

Class #107

Maximum/Extreme Tobiano White Tobiano on any color

At it's most maximum expression Tobiano will cause the horse to be totally white, if any color remains it's usually as small spots of color, roan or speckled on areas such as the ears, tail base, chest and flanks, these areas may not have colored hair, it may just be the colored skin showing through the white hair.

 

Examples From Harlequin Farms Gypsy Horses

   Example 1

Class #107

Maximum/Extreme Tovero White

Tobiano/Overo on any color

 

or

 Tobiano/Overo/Sabino1 on any color

At it's most maximum expression Tovero will cause the horse to be totally white, if any color remains it's usually as small spots of color, roan or speckled on areas such as the ears, tail base, chest and flanks, these areas may not have colored hair, it may just be the colored skin showing through the white hair.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From White Horse Productions

   Example 1

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

  

N/A

Homozygous Frame Overo

Frame Overo (homozygous form)

on any color

 

The Overo pattern in its homozygous form is lethal.  The foal is born totally white but dies within 72 hours due to Overo Lethal White Syndrome.

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

N/A

Albino N/A

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, cream, champagne or any of the pinto pattern genes.

 

Example:  Albino squirrel

 

Long Ears/

Exotic Solid Colors

   

Mule, Donkey and Exotic Equine color differs from Horses.  Please check out these links for more knowledgeable information regarding these colors.
 

American Long Ears Society

 

American Donkey and Mule Society

 

Takh

 

 

Class #108

Donkey Solid Color    

American Donkey and Mule Society

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-2

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-3

 

Lucky S&L Ranch

 

Forest Horse/Color Freaks

 

Class #108

Mule Solid Color    

American Donkey and Mule Society

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-2

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-3

 

Lucky S&L Ranch

 

Forest Horse/Color Freaks

 

Class #108

Przewalski's Wild Horse

 

Mongolian Wild Horse

 

   

Przewalski's Wild Horse

 

Przewalski's Wild Horse-2

Class #108

Wild Asses:

 

African Wild Asses

   Nubian Wild Ass

  Somali Wild Ass

 

Asiatic Wild Asses

  Onager/Persian Wild Ass
   Khur/Indian Wild Ass
   Kulan/Mongolian Wild Ass

   Kiang/Tibetan Wild Ass

   Syrian Wild Ass
 

   

African Wild Ass

 

Asiatic Wild Ass

 

Somali Wild Ass

 

Somali Wild Ass-2

 

Kiang/Tibetan Wild Ass

 

Onager/Persian Wild Ass

 

Khur/Indian Wild Ass

 

Kulan/Mongolian Wild Ass

 

 

Color Descriptions

Patterned Colors

 

All patterns of white are literally superimposed over the colored parts of the horse and do not affect genetic make-up of the base color of the coat (just changes the physical appearance).  The genes that control the colored parts and the genes that control the white pattern are not related and act individually of each other.  These white patterns are separated into two groups. One consists of individual white hairs mixed in with the solid colored hairs and is associated with the Roaning patterns. The other is made up of groups of white hairs that make up patches or spots on the solid color and are most commonly associated with Appaloosa and Pinto patterns. In the case of the patterns that consist of patches, this superimposed white has the ability to disguise certain identifying traits of some genes, such as the black points on a Bay or the dorsal stripe of a Dun.

 

Color

Class Number

Shade
(Common Names)
Dilution/Modifier

Description

Link To Examples
Appaloosa      

 

 

Class #109

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)

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From American Appaloosa Association

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Appaloosa Horse Club, UK

   Example 1

 

Class #109

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.

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Just Appaloosas

   Example 1

 

Examples From Pony of the Americas Club

   Example 1

 

Examples From Appaloosa Horse Club, UK

   Example 1

 

Class #110

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.

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Just Appaloosas

   Example 1

 

Examples From Appaloosa Horse Club, UK

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #110

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.

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Appaloosa Project

   Example 1

 

Examples From World Of Appaloosa Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar

   Example 1

 

Examples From Critters-2-Go

   Example 1

 

Class #111

Lacey Blanket Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

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

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Just Appaloosas

   Example 1

 

Examples From Appaloosa Horse Club, UK

   Example 1

 

Examples From Qu'Appelle Appaloosa Ranch

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorado Ranger Horse Association

   Example 1

 

Class #111

Minimal Blanket Appaloosa

Leopard Complex

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

Examples From Mustangs 4 Us

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Just Appaloosas

   Example 1

 

Examples From Mountain Top Farm

   Example 1

 

Class #112

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equusite

  Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From Appaloosa Horse Club, UK

   Example 1

 

Examples From Forever Farms

   Example 1

 

Class #112

Snowflake Appaloosa Leopard Complex

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

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Just Appaloosas

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From International Miniature Appaloosa and Pintaloosa Club

   Example 1

 

Examples From Think Quest of New York City

   Example 1

 

Class #112

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Pony of the Americas Club

   Example 1

 

Examples From Forever Farms

   Example 1

 

Examples From C Spots Miniature Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Tiger Horse Association

   Example 1

 

Examples From Spanish Mustang Registry

   Example 1

  

Class #113

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.  Other Appaloosa traits are still seen such as the mottled skin, eye sclera, etc.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From Just Appaloosas

   Example 1

 

Examples From Appaloosa Horse Club, UK

   Example 1

 

Class #113

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

   Example 5

   Example 6

 

Examples From Just Appaloosas

   Example 1

 

Examples From Pony of the Americas Club

   Example 1

 

 

Pinto      

Miller's Miniature Horses

 

International Registry Of Colored Horses

 

International Registry Of Colored Horses-2

 

 

Class #114

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.

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

Class #114

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)

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

 

Class #114

Skjevet

 

Norwegian Fjord Tobiano

 

Norwegian Fjord Pinto

Possibly Tobiano

Extremely rare (possibly extinct and possibly not able to be registered) patterning seen in Norwegian Fjords. Little is known about the exact gene/mutation that causes it though it is thought to be Tobiano. 

 

The pattern has a white oblong, diagonal stripe running from the neck, over the wither and down the shoulders.  Sometimes it will connect to spots on the back and ribs.   Many times there is white on the legs.

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

Class #114

Icelandic Horse Tobiano "Mutation"

Possibly Tobiano

Extremely rare pattern seen in Icelandic Horses.  Very little is known about the exact gene/mutation that causes it though it is thought to be Tobiano.

 

This pattern looks like a Tobiano but expresses chestnut where white usually falls, and a darker body color where the "normal" spots would go.

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

 

Class #115

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.

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From DK Images

   Example 1

 

Examples From Dusty Crossroads

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Cowboy Do Asfalto

   Example 1

 

Examples From Carman Show Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Little Dobbins American Miniature Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From American Paint Horse Association

   Example 1

 

Class #115

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).

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From Whitegate Stud

   Example 1

 

Class #115

or

Class #118

Sabino Overo

 

Sabero

Overo/Sabino

 

or

 

Overo/Sabino1

 

or

 

Frame Overo/Sabino

 

or

 

Frame Overo/Sabino1

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.

 

Examples From Sabino Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Class #116

Tovero

Tobiano/Overo

 

or

 

Tobiano/Frame Overo

 

or

 

Tobiano/Overo/Sabino

 

or

 

Tobiano/Overo/Sabino1

 

or

 

Tobiano/Frame Overo/ Sabino

 

or

 

Tobiano/Frame Overo/ Sabino1

 

This pattern is a combination of Tobiano and any of the Overo or Overo/Sabino 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.

 

Toveros are easily confused with Tobinos.  At this time, Tobino horses are called Tovero even though the Overo gene is not present.

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

  

Class #116

or

Class #118

Tobino Tobiano/Sabino

 

or

 

Tobiano/Sabino1

This pattern is a combination of Tobiano and Sabino or Sabino1 patterns  Like Tovero, 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.  They are extremely hard to tell apart from Toveros and many times require genetic testing to determine actual pattern genes involved.

 

Toveros are easily confused with Tobinos.  At this time, Tobino horses are called Tovero even though the Overo gene is not present.

 

Submitted Photos-Unknown Credit

   Example 1

 

Examples From Primary Colours

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

Class #117

Splash White

 

Splash Overo

Splash

 

or

 

Overo/Splash

 

or

 

Frame 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. 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

   Example 5

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From Arkwild

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

 

Sabino    

The sabino pattern is described as irregular spotting usually on the legs, belly and face, often with extensive roaning. A mutation has recently been discovered that produces one type of sabino pattern. It has been named Sabino1 as it is not present in all sabino-patterned horses. More mutations will probably be identified that account for other sabino patterns.

 

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. 

 

University of California Davis

 

 

Class #118

Sabino Sabino

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. 

 

Examples From Sabino Horse Registry

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

 

Examples From Homozygous Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From Khartoon Khlassic

   Example 1

 

Class #118

Sabino1 Sabino1

This Sabino gene variant is not present in all sabino-patterned horses. 

 

For horses that have this gene, one copy produces horses with two or more white legs or feet, often with white running up the anterior part of the leg, an extensive blaze, spotting on the midsection, with jagged or roaned margins to the pattern.

 

Horses with 2 copies of this gene are at least 90% white and are referred to as Sabino-White. (see "White" section of table for samples)

Examples From Sabino Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cedar Ridge Quarter Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Homozygous Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Cloud 9 Walkers

   Exanple 1

 

Examples From Genesis Paint Horses

   Example 1

 

Example From Walking Horse.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Walking After Midnight Farm

   Example 1

 

Class #115

or

Class #118

Sabino Overo

 

Sabero

Overo/Sabino

 

or

 

Overo/Sabino1

 

or

 

Frame Overo/Sabino

 

or

 

Frame Overo/Sabino1

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.

 

Examples From Sabino Horse Registry

   Example 1

 

Examples From International Registry Of Colored Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Hidden Rock Ranch

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

 

Roan    

This type of Roaning is called "dark headed", "true" or "classic" roan and is genetically separate from the roaning that can happen with the Leopard Complex (Appaloosa) patterns and the roaning that can occur with the Sabino and Rabicano patterns.  Roan can appear on any color.  The shades listed below are just the most common.

 

The homozygous form of this gene is lethal.

 

 

 

Class #119

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.

Examples From Forest Horse/Color Freaks

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2  

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #119

Black Roan

 

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #119

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

   Example 4

   Example 5

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Class #119

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horse Of The Americas

   Example 1

 

Class #119

Corn Roan

Roan on any color

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.

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Horse Of The Americas

   Example 1

 

Examples From Nokota Horse Conservancy

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From Mountain Man Plains Indian Fur Trade Site

   Example 1

 

 

Rabicanno      

 

 

Class #120

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.

Examples From Forest Horse/Color Freaks

   Example 1

 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Casa De Whatever

   Example 1

 

 

Pintaloosa      

 

 

Class #121

Pintaloosa Tobiano/Overo/Tovero/ Leopard Complex

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

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From C Spots Miniature Horses

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From International Spotted Horse Registry Association

   Example 1

 

 

Brindle      

 

 

Class #122

Brindle

Unknown if a gene is responsible for this pattern.  Research is in progress to determine this.

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Homozygous Horses

   Example 1

 

Examples From Brindle Horse

   Example 1

 

Examples From Brindle And Striped Equine International

   Example 1

   Example 2

 

Examples From International Buckskin Horse Association

  Example 1

  

 

Long Ears/

Exotic Spotted or Striped Colors

   

Mule, Donkey and Exotic Equine color differs from Horses.  Please check out these links for more knowledgeable information regarding these colors.
 

American Long Ears Society

 

American Donkey and Mule Society

 

Class #123

Donkey Spotted Color    

American Donkey and Mule Society

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-2

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-3

 

Lucky S&L Ranch

 

Forest Horse/Color Freaks

 

Class #123

Mule Spotted Color    

American Donkey and Mule Society

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-2

 

American Donkey and Mule Society-3

 

Lucky S&L Ranch

 

Forest Horse/Color Freaks

 

Class #122

Zebra  

 

American Donkey and Mule Society

 

Quagga Project

 

Class #122 or Class#123

 depending upon pattern(s)

 

Zebra Hybrids     American Donkey and Mule Society

 

 
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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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Ultimate Horse Site

   Example 1

 

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.

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

 

Examples From Colorful Morgans

   Example 1

 

Examples From Yipes! Stripes!

   Example 1

 

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. 

Examples From Equine Color.com

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

   Example 2

   Example 3

 

Examples From Yipes! Stripes!

   Example 1

 

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.

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cornell University

   Example 1

 

Examples From Dun Genes.org

   Example 1

 

Examples From University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horse Lover's Corral

   Example 1

 

Strip

 

Stripe

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

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horse Lover's Corral

   Example 1

 

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.

Examples From Icelandic Horse.is

   Example 1

 

Examples From Cornell University

   Example 1

 

Examples From University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture

   Example 1

 

Examples From Horse Lover's Corral

   Example 1