Color Modifiers

There are four coat color modifying genes which can have an effect on the color a horse will display.

A dominant modifying gene, the grey gene affects both black and chestnut bases. This dominant gene possess the capability to suppress the display of white patterns.

Learn more about the Grey Modifier Gene

Bay is common to all breeds, stems from a black base and displays dark points (mane, tail, leg markings).

Learn more about the Bay Modifier Gene

Common to all breeds, the mealy modifier is expressed in lightening of the hair around vulnerable spots, such as muzzle, belly and flank.

Learn more about the Mealy / Pangare Modifier Gene

Common in most breeds and found on both black and chestnut bases. The sooty modifier displays as a darkening of the pigment in certain areas of the coat, often causing dappling. Generally darkening along the topline and legs.

Learn more about the Sooty / Smutty Modifier Gene

The flaxen modifier only affects the mane and tail in horses with a chestnut based horses and displays in a variation of cream to white colors.

This gene is not well understood, but is thought to be recessive and is often mistaken for silver dapple.

Learn more about the Flaxen Modifier Gene

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