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Pangare or Mealy Modifier – Horse Coat Colors

Pangare or Mealy HorseA few weeks ago I decided to give my colors section an update – it was time for an upgrade. There is some new info and the rest is quite simply better than it was.

Modifiers

There is an array of 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 pangare or mealy modifier which is commonly found in almost all breeds. This modifier is also found in other equines like mules and burros who are rarely found without it.
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Horse Rock the City

Click to see VideoThis is an interesting equine/dance performance that combines the noble horse with a variety of different types of dance.

Unique Balance

Many of us have seen equestrian performances whether online or in person, but this one is slightly different. I like the variety of dance types used and the unique selections they used and the fact that the animal parts were simple and untaxing. The video isn’t the best quality, but it’s an interesting watch.
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Seal Bay or Brown Base – Horse Coat Colors

Seal brown horse grazing
There are four base horse coat colors, black, chestnut, bay and brown. Black, bay and brown coats are caused by the agouti gene and it is the Dominant agouti allele that causes black hairs to be restricted to the points.

Agouti Magic

Seal brown can be subtle and is easily confused with dark bay, especially when there is a pangare modifier involved. Some registries do not consider it a different color, but a shade of bay.

Brown Comparison

Below is a couple comparisons of two animals that are similar in color, but different genetically. In both cases the brown animal is on the right.

Light seal horse
Dark Bay vs. Seal Brown
Light seal horse
Mealy Bay vs. Seal Brown

Seal Brown Characteristics

The only physical way to visually identify a seal brown animal is the varying degrees of lighter, reddish hair found on their soft spots, including muzzle, flank, elbow and belly.

Seal brown horse nose
Seal brown nose
Seal brown horse eyes
Seal brown eyes
Seal brown horse legs
Seal brown flank and elbow

Learn More About Color

Be sure to visit the new and improved color section for more information (and pictures) about seal brown horses and stay tuned for more.

The Four Riders

Click to see VideoThe Four Riders is a four channel video installation that deconstructs the equine anatomy into landscapes of moving flesh. Of course the theme is the four riders of the apocalypse, but it’s beautifully shot and edited.

Scary Inspiration

Inspired by the apocalyptic atmosphere in Durer’s Four Horseman woodcut as well as by Eadweard Muybridge’s study of animal movement, this work places the horse in a contemporary context by staging the wild and grotesque next to the restrained and elegant.
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Bay Modifier – Horse Coat Colors

Grey HorseLately I’ve been updating the images in the colors section and giving the section a bit of an overhaul. It’s a big job but quite the lovely one.

Modifiers

There are a 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 bay modifier and the colors that it displays.
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