NWBHC Equinealities, Roan Color

Roans

These colors are produced by a base color intermingled with white hairs throughout the horse's coat. Hair of a mixed color or an actual "roan hair" does not exist. White hair of a roan horse is not caused by an absence of pigment in the hide, as in albinos or white markings. White hairs are solid, without a shaft opening in the center to allow pigment to enter the hair. Roan coloring does not grow lighter or darker with age and is not caused by receding pigmentation, as in grey horses. Variously described by the base color, as bay roan, red roan, etc., base color means any solid color exclusive of white hair. Blue roan differs in having a black base color, which is intermingled with white hairs to give the blue appearance. Heads of roans will be solid-colored, as will be the lower legs. Manes and tails will usually correspond to the base color, and though unusual, they are sometimes the same roan color.

Red Roan

A base of chestnut hairs intermingled with white solid-shaft hairs causes this roaning pattern. Head and lower legs are chestnut-colored, and mane and tail are generally of the same color.

Blue Roan

A base coat of black hairs intermingled with white solid-shaft hairs causes the blue roan pattern. The head, lower legs, mane and tail, are also black, the mane and tail seldom seen as roaned.

Rose Grey

Not a true grey, rose grey is in fact a roan, and its color is stable throughout the horse's lifetime. Though similar to red roan in having various shades of chestnut base color, it is distinguished by its entire coat being the same mixed color. This roaning pattern should continue down to the hoof and on the head. Also the mane and tail should also be roaned. Hide and durability depends on the base chestnut color. This color is classed as rose-grey only by Arabian breeders.

Look for an update on this article with genetic information soon.

Source:

Green, Dr. Ben. The Color of Horses, The Scientific and Authoritative Identification of the Color of the Horse. Northland Publishing. 1974.