May 23, 2007 @ 10:18 pm
Coloured Horses
I noticed a recent article about the first coloured full thoroughbred foal born in the UK. He is registered with Weatherby’s as a Bay Overo.
I have been reading about the genetics of horse colours and this is far more complicated than I realised. I have listed below some information on horse colours/patterns which were new to me:
Overo refers to a pinto coloration pattern of white over dark body markings in horses. There are at least three different genes which fall under the “overo” classification: frame overo, sabino, and splash overo.
A Splash Overo pattern appears like a solid colored horse who has been dipped in white paint, and the color splashed up from the bottom.
Sabino is listed as a type of overo colouring but it is genetically different. The most common markings are high white stockings (often with jagged edges), a wide blaze often extending past the eyes and small white patches or roan colouring on the belly or flanks. Most have four white feet. Minimal sabinos may have only one trait while a maximum sabino is a completely white horse.
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