Chestnut is when the
*E * or extension gene
is double recessive *ee*. Black is
dominant to chestnut so EE is black, Ee is black
and ee is chestnut. The E
gene is present in all horses, so all horses will either be black
or chestnut at this locus. A chestnut must have two copies of
the ressessive e gene so chestnut foals must
get a chestnut gene from each parent, this can be carried by
the parent with only one e
gene All *ee*
horses will be chestnut, or red based, however chestnut maybe
diluted to colours like palominos. A palomino is still known as a
red based horse. Also modified by flaxen, roan and others which
are controlled separately. Chestnuts can vary considerably with
light and dark shades. You can test your black based horse
to see if him or her *carries* chestnut. Some Americans
call chestnuts *sorrel*. Sorrel has exactly the same genetics as
a chestnut. The difference is only in the name.
I’m sure you all know what a chestnut horse looks
like but I’ve put a few below anyway. Donations of chestnut Gypsy
Horses photos welcomed!
