The roan color of a horse is called an unusual manifestation of nature. Basically, this color feature appears in horses of dark colors. The color of the hairline is presented in the form of multiple snow-white patches along the rump, except for the head and limbs. Usually the mane and legs remain the main color. This type of pigment distribution has a genetic basis.
History and origin
In nature, wild stallions have evolved, and individuals of black color appeared, which are considered rare specimens. Breeding specialists are now monitoring this feature. The name of the suit comes from the Turkic language, translated the word “chal” means gray-haired. Giving such a horse as a gift to a local resident was considered a sign of deep respect.
This color is considered a unique natural phenomenon; a horse with this color is a very rare type of representative of the animal world. It is noteworthy that when the skin is damaged, wool of the main color grows in this place.
Color gene
A foal of this color appears from the parents if the stallion has an active Rn gene, which is dominant. The horse must have wild predecessors in its family. Two individuals of a similar color cannot be crossed, as this leads to the death of the tribe. With a passive gene, it is inherited by the next generation.
The gene has no connection with a specific breed; it looks impressive on black and dark horses. This unique phenomenon manifests itself zonally and non-zonally. When white hairs are located on the body of an animal in small areas, this feature is called zonal color. If small light hairs evenly cover the entire body of the horse, this arrangement is classified as a non-zonal species.
A noble roan horse is distinguished by the following characteristics:
- Eyes and hooves with the Rn gene remain black. The exception is the peculiarity of a particular suit.
- Individuals do not turn gray. Over time, the base color may become even darker. White inclusions may lose their saturation a little, but do not disappear at all.
- Depending on the season, some breeds of horses change the color of their fur. The mane remains unchanged all year round.
- The tail also retains color throughout the life of the ungulate. A special feature of the Savraso-roan breed is the presence of white strands of hair in the tail.
- Tissue regeneration occurs at the site of damage.As it heals, fur of a base color grows back.
The gene is not tied to gender, so it appears in females and males. An animal inherits a genotype; it can appear in a new generation in 50% of cases.
Varieties of roan color
Classification of suits is a division into background and component parts of color, which, in turn, are divided into zonal and non-zonal types. There are five suits, the rest are considered subsuits.
There are about 50 species.
- Bay roan. The base color is brown, less often red-brown. The head and legs remain in the background color, the coat along the croup appears light brown. It is considered the most common color among horses.
- Raven-roan - implies a contrast of white on black, in contrast they give the body a smoky color. From a distance the horse appears to have a bluish tint.
- Red roan - individuals have a beautiful color; from a distance it seems that they have a pink color. Horses of a reddish hue look especially chic.
- Nightingale-roan - appears rarely, characterized by the fact that a nightingale with graying horse takes on a fawn color in the spring.
- Savraso-roan - a feature of this color is its similarity to the wild forest colors of horses. There are long blond strands of hair in the tail.
Dun horses are rare. The beautiful color has a golden hue to the body. The legs, mane and tail remain a rich coal-black color.
Temper and behavior
Livestock experts note that black horses are inherently willful. This color is a rare species. The color of a horse does not change throughout its life.
There is debate among livestock specialists about the influence of the genotype on the character and behavior of the animal.According to the observations of horse breeders, it was noted that black horses have a complex disposition, bay horses have endurance, and gray horses are sensitive creatures. The behavior of the animal is also influenced by the breed with which the roan was crossed.
Roan horse breeds
Roaning is not typical for all thoroughbred horses. Oryol trotters do not have it. Characteristic spotting appears in foals whose ancestors had common colors.
White inclusions are typical horse breed Bashkir heavy truck. The presence of whitish spots and inclusions is considered a good sign and is welcome for this breed.
Shire roan stallions are not allowed for breeding. This color in males is considered a cull. Mares are allowed to have offspring.
Breeding, maintenance and care
Caring for roan horses is no different from keeping other species. Individuals are kept in herds or in stables, it depends on the climatic conditions of the region. In warm climates, horses can graze year-round with shelter and constant access to water. If there is enough grass on the pasture, there is no need to feed the animals additionally. When grazing horses on meager fields, hay and oats are introduced into the diet. If possible, the pasture is sown with special grass, for example, timothy grass is used.
In the stables, animals are fed 3-4 times a day. The same quantity is provided with drinking water. On hot days, the amount of liquid in the horses’ diet is increased. Horses kept for physical work or competition are fed more often than others.
The main part of the diet should be: barley, oats, corn, rye and wheat. Animals are not given water after walking in fields of legumes and clover.Fluid in the body causes bloating. Individuals of the roan color are a great source of pride for farmers, especially if the background color of the animal is black. To breed a stallion of this color, breeders carefully select a pair of parents.
