A visual guide to equine colors and patterns
Horse Color Genetics
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
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
Greying
the STX17 gene
Other progressive patterns
various causes
Cream and related dilutions
the SLC45A2 (MATP) gene
Champagne
the SLC36A1 gene
the PMEL17 gene
Mushroom
the MFSD12 gene
Globrunn
gene(s) responsible not yet identified
Color shifting (bronzing)
gene(s) responsible not yet identified
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
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
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)
Red and black
interactions with the MC1R (Extension) gene
Cryptic
proposed gene, location not determined