Equine Coat Color Phenotypes
The word "Phenotype" is defined as the observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from the genotype of the individual in combination with its environment. In simpler terms, a horse's phenotype is the unique color and pattern of its fur and skin as a result of the genes it possesses.
There are three base coat color phenotypes found in horses: black, bay, and red (chestnut/sorrel). Any other coat color and pattern present are other genes that work in combination with these base coat colors. Prior to the Common Era, nine main phenotypes emerged: Bay, Bay Sabino, Bay Tobiano, Black, Black Silver, Chestnut, Chestnut Sabino, Chestnut Tobiano, and Buckskin. Each phenotype has specific visible characteristics that make it unique from the other phenotypes; for example, the actual pigment (color) produced and expressed, and the amount and location that these pigments are found on the body.
Often times a color is said to be located at the "points" of the horse. This means that a color is only found on the legs, tips of the ears, and the mane and tail of the horse. The basic coat color phenotype of a horse does not include blazes, socks, snips, and other white markings (also known as chrome) as these traits are significantly influenced by the environment of the horse.
There are three base coat color phenotypes found in horses: black, bay, and red (chestnut/sorrel). Any other coat color and pattern present are other genes that work in combination with these base coat colors. Prior to the Common Era, nine main phenotypes emerged: Bay, Bay Sabino, Bay Tobiano, Black, Black Silver, Chestnut, Chestnut Sabino, Chestnut Tobiano, and Buckskin. Each phenotype has specific visible characteristics that make it unique from the other phenotypes; for example, the actual pigment (color) produced and expressed, and the amount and location that these pigments are found on the body.
Often times a color is said to be located at the "points" of the horse. This means that a color is only found on the legs, tips of the ears, and the mane and tail of the horse. The basic coat color phenotype of a horse does not include blazes, socks, snips, and other white markings (also known as chrome) as these traits are significantly influenced by the environment of the horse.