Horse Colors and Markings Animal Science

Colors

Bay Reddish coat always have black points (legs, muzzle, mane and tail, and tips of ears) Many have black legs that are covered by white markings

Brown Mixed black and brown in coat Black points

Sorrel Lighter reddish brown “coppery” points (mane, tail, legs and ears) are same color as body (other than white markings)

Chestnut Darker reddish brown points are same color as body (other than white markings)

Black have pure black coats with no signs of any other color Many mistake as bays or browns Have to check coat color in the winter

Palomino have gold-colored coat with a white or light cream colored mane and tail coat can range from a light off-white shade to a deep shade of gold

Buckskin light-to-dark sandy yellow or tan color with all black points. similar to duns, but do not have a dorsal stripe

Cremello Almost white coat Mane and tail same as body color Eyes always pale blue

Perlino Almost white coat Mane and tail bit darker with light copper/orange hue Eyes always pale blue

Dun have sandy/yellow coat Mane and tail black legs are usually darker than their body always have a "dorsal" stripe a dark stripe down the middle of their back

Red Dun Yellowish to flesh colored coat Mane/tail- reddish, flaxen, white, mixed Reddish dorsal stripe

Grullo (grew-yo) Black skin Gray/smoky coat Mane/tail black Lower legs black Usually with black dorsal stripe

Red Roan Mix of red and white hair Red on head and lower legs Red or flaxen mane/tail

Bay Roan Mix red and white hair Darker head Black points

Blue Roan Mix white and black hair (looks blue) Darker on head and legs

Gray have black skin with white or gray hair sometimes born black or brown, but coat gets lighter as they age

White are very rare have pink skin, usually hazel or brown eyes and white hair.

Markings

Facial Star Snip Stripe

Facial Blaze Bald Lip Muzzle

Leg