Equine Colour Genetics

Ever wondered why horses come in so many different colours, or how two seemingly ordinary horses can produce a foal with a completely unexpected coat?

Explore the fascinating science of equine colour genetics, from the basics of DNA and inheritance to the genes responsible for different coat colours, patterns and dilutions.

Learn how genes interact, how coat colours are passed between generations, and why some colour genes can influence far more than a horse’s appearance.

Through interactive lessons, diagrams and quizzes, you’ll discover that there’s much more to coat colour than meets the eye.

Part 1: Understanding Colour Genetics

Start with the building blocks of equine colour genetics. Explore DNA, genes, alleles, dominant and recessive inheritance, and the difference between genotype and phenotype. Learn how the extension and agouti genes create the three basic coat colours, and use Punnett squares to predict the colours horses can pass to their offspring.

Part 2: White Patterns and Markings

Explore the genetics behind some of the most striking equine coat patterns, including tobiano, frame overo, sabino, splash white, dominant white and leopard complex. Discover how these patterns are inherited, why similar-looking horses may have very different genetics, and how certain genetic variants are associated with important health considerations.

Part 3: Dilutions, Grey, Roan and More

Discover how dilution and modifying genes transform a horse’s underlying coat colour. Explore cream, dun and mushroom, along with grey, roan, rabicano and varnish roan. Learn how different genes interact, why some horses change appearance with age, and how combinations of inherited variants can produce extraordinary results.

Each interactive video runs for approximately 30-35 mins