Ever looked at a beautiful white horse and wondered if there's a specific term to describe them? Look no further, as we delve into the world of white horses and find out not only what they're called but also about their unique features and genetics. Get ready to impress your friends with your newfound equine knowledge, as we discuss the fascinating world of these majestic animals.
Discovering the White Horse
First, let's clarify the term "white horse." While many may think that a white horse refers to any horse that appears white, this is not actually the case. The term "white horse" specifically refers to horses that have the dominant white gene or are homozygous for the grey gene. These horses have a particular name: they're called "gray" horses.
Gray Horses: More Than Meets the Eye
You might be surprised to discover that gray horses are not always born looking gray or even white. Gray horses can be born with various base coat colors, such as black, bay, or chestnut. As they age, their coat lightens due to the progressive greying provided by their genes. This is a process similar to how humans' hair color changes over time.
- The dominant white gene (W) is responsible for white horses with pink skin and dark eyes.
- The gray gene (G) causes progressive greying, eventually leading to a white appearance.
- Gray horses can be born with any base coat color and typically lighten with age.
Types of White Horses
Aside from the traditional gray horse, several other types of white horses may appear white but possess unique characteristics.
Albino Horses
Albino horses are extremely rare and result from a genetic mutation. These horses have a complete lack of pigmentation, making them pure white with pink skin and red or blue eyes. True albino horses are scarce and often have associated health issues, such as photosensitivity and vision problems.
Perlino and Cremello Horses
Though not true white horses, perlinos and cremellos have a nearly white coat due to the double dilute of cream genes. Both types of horses come with various base coat colors, but their cream genes give them a final coat that appears off-white or cream-colored. These horses usually have blue eyes.
White Spotting
White spotting can appear on horses of any coat color, leading to large patches of white across the body. In some cases, the white covers so much of the horse that they can look like a white horse. However, this white appearance is due to the pattern of their coat rather than their genetics.
What Do You Call A White Horse Example:
A fine example of a famous white horse is the legendary Lipizzaner breed. These horses are renowned for their elegance and skill in dressage, with their striking white or gray coats adding to their appeal. A Lipizzaner typically starts as a darker color when born and gradually lightens over time. This change is thanks to their gray genes, which cause progressive greying and showcase how the base coat color can transform over their lifespan. Notably, the Spanish Riding School in Vienna is famous for their stunning performances with Lipizzaner horses, displaying their majestic beauty and incredible skill.
Now that you're an expert on white horses and understand the different genetic factors behind their appearance, you can dazzle your friends and fellow horse enthusiasts with your newfound knowledge! Don't forget to check out our other informative guides on How to Own a Horse to enhance your equine expertise even further. If you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with your friends and fellow horse-lovers. Keep exploring our site for more articles to help you on your journey as a knowledgeable horse owner.
