Horse Colors Pt. 4 - Roan Colors
The roan color family is exceptionally beautiful, often overlooked, and come in a wide assortment of colors. Often mistaken for the grey modifier, roans will usually retain color around bony parts and do not grow progressively white over time.
A horse of A Different Color
Characterized by a coat with white hair evenly interspersed throughout the colored hairs.
Red or Strawberry
Has a chestnut base coat with the roaning pattern and a red mane and tail.
Bay
A bay coat with the roaning pattern while retaining black points (i.e. mane, tail and legs).
Blue
Black base coat with the roaning pattern, often produces a blue or purple tint.
Rabicano
Not a true roan, but thrown in their color family. This coloring is due to a genetic modifier that causes a roaning effect on a specific part of the body, generally on the belly, flanks, legs, tail and head.
There is plenty more to learn about the roan white patterns.
Also be sure to read up on the other white pattern modifiers.
Paint and pinto
Appaloosa
Unexplained markings and patterns
