Black Gene information

[Lori Blake]

The Black gene, also called the Eumelanin gene, is symbolized by E. The E gene codes for uniformly black hairs of the coat, mane, and tail. Horses that have the E gene with no modifiers are uniformly black. Some black horses lighten in the summer, and may look like a dark bay. The E gene is found in nearly all breeds, with rare exceptions like the Haflinger and Suffolk Punch.

Since E is dominant, horses may be homozygous (EE) or heterozygous (Ee). EE horses may ONLY have offspring that are black based (ie no chestnuts, palominos, cremellos, or other red based colors. Ee horses may give either an E or an e to thier offspring, so may produce black or red based foals.


BLACK HORSE PHOTOS

NCh. Heartspark Dollarsign (owned by Uwharrie Stock Horses)
Black Appaloosa filly
ColorCode EEaalplp

This tall filly is homozygous for E, but has lightened in the sun. Although appaloosa, she did not inherit the spotting gene.




Silent Runnings
Black Thoroughbred mare (owned by Serenity Sporthorses)
ColorCode-EEaa

Another homozygous black mare, this time with attractive facial and leg markings.