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A visual guide to equine colors and patterns

Horse Color Genetics

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Dun and the non-duns

the TBX3 gene

 

Bay and point patterns

MC1R (Extension) and ASIP (Agouti) genes

 

Mealy patterning

gene(s) responsible not yet identified

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Black

the ASIP (Agouti) gene

 

Chestnut

the MC1R (Extension) gene

Flaxen

gene(s) responsible not yet identified

Sootiness

gene(s) responsible not yet identified

Shade and intensity

gene(s) responsible not yet identified

Terminology

simple explanations for the common scientific terms

Epistasis

how unrelated colors can sometimes"hide" other colors 

Pigment colors

red, black and structural colors

Mutations

new colors and patterns

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Greying

the STX17 gene

 

Other progressive patterns

 various causes

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Cream and related dilutions

the SLC45A2 (MATP) gene

 

Champagne

the SLC36A1 gene

Silver

the PMEL17 gene

Mushroom

the MFSD12 gene

Globrunn

gene(s) responsible not yet identified

Color shifting (bronzing)

gene(s) responsible not yet identified

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Mismarks

markings (colored or white) that may not have a genetic basis

Eye color

colors other than brown

Coat variations

curly coats and hairlessness

Environmental alterations

artificial and natural changes

Belton spotting

gene responsible not yet identified

"Reversed" markings

 badger faces, colored socks

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Roans

the KIT gene (possibly others)

 

Rabicano and white ticking

 gene(s) responsible not yet identified

Tobianos

near the KIT gene

 

Sabino phenotypes

 Sabino1, W-series and others (KIT gene)

 

Splashed white

MITF and Pax3 genes

 

Frame overo

 EDNRB gene

Manchado

gene responsible not yet identified

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Leopard complex

the TRPM1 gene

 

Pattern1 (leopard)

 the RFWD3 gene

Other patterns

genes responsible not yet identified

 

Pintaloosas

 various gene combinations

Face and leg white

MITF and KIT genes (and possibly others)

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Red and black

interactions with the MC1R (Extension) gene

Cryptic

 proposed gene, location not determined

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