A few weeks back I began updating the images in my colors section and getting my info a little more up to date. Color genetics are not an easy business, but they are a pretty one!
Modifiers
There is a wide variety of color modifying genes which can affect base colors as well as each other. They can be further affected by dilutions and white patterns. Today I want to share a little about the seal bay or brown modifier – interestingly enough, they are genetically different than bays.
Brown Modifier
Similar to bays, seal bay horses have a black base coat that is affected by the Agouti gene. While similar genetically to bay animals, they aren’t actually bay.
Determining Factors
Generally speaking seal brown animals are usually mistaken for dark bay animals – even more so if they (or a non-fading black animal) is affected by the pangare gene. Seal brown animals will grow tan hair on their soft spots (muzzle, flank, etc.).
Seal brown horses will always have black mane and tail and can have white facial or leg markings.
Learn More About Color
Be sure to visit the new and improved color section for more information about seal brown horses and stay tuned, next week we’ll take a look at the mealy or pangare modifier (the one responsible for the seal bay twin).