A grey horse is a coat color in horses characterized by progressive silvering of the colored hairs of the coat. As the horse ages, the hairs become lighter in color, until the horse is completely white. Grey horses can be born in any color and the grey color is caused by a progressive action of the GREY gene.
What Colors Can Grey Horses Be Born?
Grey horses are born in any color, including black, bay, chestnut, dun, palomino, buckskin, or even roan. The grey gene is expressed in all of these colors, but the degree of silvering will differ. Grey horses born black will be called a “steel grey” while those born bay are referred to as “dapple grey” or “fleabitten grey.”
How to Identify a Grey Horse?
It is easy to identify a grey horse as the color of their coat will be a lighter hue than other horses of the same color. Greys are often mistaken for white horses, but the white color is caused by a different gene.
Physical Characteristics of Grey Horses
Grey horses have some distinct physical characteristics that set them apart from other horses. These include:
- Mane and Tail: The mane and tail of a grey horse will be lighter than the body color and often have a silver sheen.
- Skin Color: Grey horses usually have a dark skin color and dark eyes, even when their coat color is white.
- Fading: As grey horses age, the colored hairs of their coat will become lighter in color and eventually turn white.
Are Grey Horses Born Grey?
The short answer is no, grey horses are not born grey. All horses are born with a coat color determined by their genetics, and the grey gene is not expressed until the horse is a few months old.
What Causes Grey Horses to Change Color?
The grey gene is a dominant gene that gradually lightens the colored hairs of the coat. As the horse ages, the colored hairs will become lighter and lighter until the horse is completely white. This process can take anywhere from a few years to a few decades, depending on the individual horse.
Are Grey Horses Prone to Health Issues?
Grey horses are not more prone to health issues than other horses. However, they may be more prone to skin cancer due to their lighter skin color. It is important to provide adequate sun protection to protect the skin of grey horses.
How to Take Care of a Grey Horse?
Taking care of a grey horse is much like taking care of any other horse. They should be provided with adequate food, water, grooming, and exercise. It is important to keep their skin protected from the sun and to check for skin cancer.
Grooming Tips for Grey Horses
- Coat: Grey horses should be groomed regularly to keep their coat in good condition. A diluted bleach solution can be used to lighten the coat and remove any stains.
- Mane and Tail: The mane and tail of a grey horse should be kept trimmed and free from tangles.
- Hooves: Grey horses should have their hooves trimmed regularly to keep them healthy and sound.
Conclusion
Grey horses are not born grey, but the grey gene is expressed in the colored hairs of their coat. As the horse ages, the hairs become lighter and lighter until the horse is completely white. Grey horses should be provided with adequate food, water, grooming, and exercise, and their skin should be protected from the sun.