The answer to this question depends on the color of the horse. Grey is a term used to describe a wide range of coat colors in horses, from white-haired horses to those with nearly black coats. While some grey horses do turn white, some do not.
What is a Grey Horse?
Grey horses are generally horses with a coat color that contains white hairs mixed with darker colored hairs. The amount of white hairs is what determines the shade of grey, and can range from light grey to almost black. Grey horses are unique in that they can appear to change color over time as the white hairs become more prominent.
The Greying Gene
The greying gene is the primary factor that determines whether or not a horse will grey out and eventually turn white. This gene is responsible for the progressive greying of a horse’s coat and is dominant, meaning it can be passed down from parent to offspring. Horses that carry the greying gene will begin to grey out as they get older, usually starting around the age of 5 or 6.
Grey Horses Turning White
When a horse carries the greying gene, their coat will begin to show more white hairs over time. As the white hairs become more predominant, the horse’s coat will eventually turn completely white. This process can take anywhere from several years to a decade or more, depending on the horse.
White Hairless Horses
Some horses are born with a gene that causes them to be born completely white or nearly white. These horses are known as “white hairless” horses, and they are not the same as grey horses. While grey horses may eventually turn white, white hairless horses are born white and will remain that way throughout their lives.
The Cremello Color
The creme color is a unique combination of white, grey, and tan. It is caused by a recessive gene, and is often seen in horses that are bred to be palomino or buckskin. Cremellos are born with a light cream colored coat, and usually won’t turn white unless they carry the greying gene.
Genetic Testing for Grey Horses
If you are unsure of whether or not your horse carries the greying gene, you can have a genetic test done. This test will tell you if your horse has the greying gene and will help you determine whether or not your horse will eventually turn white.
The Benefits of Grey Horses
Grey horses are unique in that they can appear to change color over time, and this can be a great benefit for some owners. For example, some owners may want to breed their grey horse to a specific color, and the greying gene can help ensure that their foal will be the desired color.
The Dangers of Grey Horses
While the greying gene can be advantageous for some owners, it can also be dangerous for others. Grey horses are more susceptible to skin cancer, as the white hairs don’t provide as much protection from the sun’s UV rays. It is important to take extra precautions when caring for a grey horse to ensure their skin is protected from the sun.
Conclusion
In conclusion, some grey horses do turn white, while others do not. The greying gene is the primary factor in determining whether or not a horse will eventually turn white, and genetic testing can be done to determine if a horse carries this gene. While the greying gene can be beneficial for some owners, it can also be dangerous and extra precautions should be taken when caring for a grey horse.
Grey Horses, Greying Gene, White Hairless Horses, Cremello Color, Genetic Testing, Benefits, Dangers