Coat Colour and Pattern Testing

We offer a range of tests designed to detect the genetic mutations that are responsible for certain coat colours and / or patterns. Knowing the genetic status of your horse can be helpful if breeding a particular colour or pattern is a goal. If you are interested in a particular colour test that is not listed below, please notify us of your interest via the 'Contact Us' page.

Red Factor
This gene determines whether the horse will have any black pigment in its coat.

Agouti
This gene determines the distribution of black pigment, if it is present.

Cream Dilution
One copy of this mutation will dilute red pigment while two copies dilutes both red and black pigment.

Dun
Dun is a coat colour dilution that is often accompanies by primitive markings such as a dorsal stripe or leg barring.

Champagne
This mutation dilutes the horses coat whether they carry one or two copies.

Silver
Silver dilutes black pigment whilst not affecting red pigment.

Pearl
The pearl mutation dilutes both red and black pigment if two copies are present.

Grey
Grey causes accelerated loss of pigment in the coat which will slowly turn white as the horse ages.

Tobiano
Tobiano is a white spotting pattern consisting of large patches of white that typically cross over the horses topline.

OLWFS
OLWFS is a fatal disorder of the digestive system that is associated with a particular white pattern called “frame overo”.

Splashed White
Splashed White is characterised by a large blaze, sometimes extending into a hood covering nearly the entire head, extensive white on the legs, and variable white on the body.

Leopard Complex
Leopard complex causes a number of different spotting patterns.

Appaloosa Pattern – 1
Appaloosa Pattern – 1 increases the amount of white in observed in horses that also carry Leopard Complex.

Sabino 1
Sabino 1 causes white on the legs, belly and face, which often has roaning around the edges.

Dominant White W20
Dominant White W20 is a white booster. It will increase the amount of white on a horse that carries another white spotting pattern.