General characteristics of black horses, color variations, animal species
The black color of the horse is referred to as the basic options. Horses with this coat color look very impressive. Therefore, they are very popular with horse breeders. Some species of animals are characterized only by this color. This applies primarily to the Friesian breed. However, the suit is considered common, and therefore it is found among other breeds.
General characteristics of the black color
From the name it is clear that such horses are distinguished by black fur with a beautiful blue tint. It shimmers in the sun and has a beautiful shine, and therefore seems bluish-black. Black horses are characterized by the following characteristics:
- Brown eyes;
- dark skin pigment;
- black mane;
- coal black tail.
Despite popular belief, the horny part of the hooves in such animals is not always black - sometimes it has a gray tint. Foals of this color are born with brown fur. She has an uneven color. As it develops, the shade becomes charcoal. During the moulting period, even in adult horses, the wool becomes dull and becomes uneven in color. Experts say that the shine and properties of the coat depend on the composition of the feed and the correct care of the horses.
The black color is considered one of the main ones. Its appearance is associated with the presence of the E gene (extension). In this case, the gene of the red tint is designated as "E".
Variations of the black suit
Today there are many variations of this suit. Each of them is characterized by certain features.
Classical
This category includes animals that have a pure shade. They are uniform and bright in color. Such horses practically do not shed and do not fade under the influence of sunlight. This is due to the high durability of the pigment. The standard hue has a blue tint, which appears in saturated light.
Tan shade
This color is characterized by blotches of light hairs. Therefore, the coat becomes brown. The effect is enhanced in bright light. In this case, the horses look bright enough. Such pets can shed.
Ash black
Animals of this color are difficult to distinguish from the classic black ones. In this case, the colors are slightly paler, there is a chestnut tint in it. The appearance of this color is associated with the presence of the Cremello gene, which acts against the background of a black suit.
Silver black
These horses look incredible. They are distinguished by a black coat combined with a white mane and tail. Moreover, this shade is very rare.
Black piebald
This is one of the more attractive varieties. The body of such horses is decorated with large white spots. The contrasting black and white wool looks very impressive and therefore attracts a lot of attention. Horses that have limbs of different shades look especially attractive. In America, skewbald horses are considered a symbol of the Indians.
Crow-roan
This is a genetically black horse. It is characterized by the presence of the roan gene. Horses have alternating white and black hairs. This shade resembles an ash coating, which is evenly distributed over the body of the animal.
Types of black horses
The black color is typical for many working and riding breeds. Such animals are often used to transport goods. This coat color is typical of the Friesian breed. Its representatives have only a black suit. At the same time, the Suffol and Gafflin breeds, on the contrary, cannot have such a shade of wool. This is due to the lack of the desired gene.
The most popular breeds that have a black coat include the following:
- Frisian - was obtained in the Netherlands. Friezes have an attractive appearance. They are characterized by a high neck, thick hard brushes and a long muzzle. In the Middle Ages, these horses were bay and forelock. However, today they only have a black suit. There are no markings on their fur. Animals have a calm disposition. This helps to apply them in the tourism business.
- Percheron - black coat color is often observed in such animals. Horses are distinguished by a massive body and at the same time are able to move gracefully. Horses are characterized by a calm and patient nature. The sharp mind of the horses is considered an undoubted advantage.
- Shire is an English variety of draft horses. They are black or differ in other shades of wool. Shires are considered obedient. Therefore, horses are often crossed with other breeds in order to convey this character trait to them.
Horses that are black look very attractive. The standard color has a beautiful blue tint. In addition, there are many other varieties that are also popular with horse breeders.
