Black
An evenly black horse, from nose to tail, without brown or red zones.
What does this colour look like?
An even black body, black mane, tail and legs. Some black horses fade in the sun (fading black), others stay deep black (non-fading).
- Body
- black
- Mane and tail
- black
- Legs
- black
- Skin
- dark
- Eyes
- brown
How does this colour arise?
Black spreads the black pigment evenly over the whole body.
More about the genetics
Black has at least one E allele (Extension) and two recessive a alleles (Agouti: a/a), so the black is not restricted to the points but sits everywhere.
What is this colour often confused with?
- Seal brown
Almost black, but with brown shading on the muzzle, flanks and above the eyes.
- Smoky black
A black horse with a single cream gene; often indistinguishable from ordinary black.
- Liver chestnut
A very dark, chocolate-brown chestnut.
Does the colour change?
Sunlight can bleach the coat to reddish-brown (fading). Fading black bleaches in summer.
Which breeds show this colour?
Discover more
Sources: UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory · Sponenberg, D.P. & Bellone, R.R. (Wiley-Blackwell).