The black color of the horse is considered the basic option. Horses that have this coat color look very impressive. Therefore, they are very popular among horse breeders. Some animal species are characterized only by this color. This applies primarily to the Friesian breed. However, the color is considered common, and therefore is found among other breeds.
General characteristics of 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 appears blue-black.Black horses are characterized by the following characteristics:
- Brown eyes;
- dark skin pigment;
- black mane;
- jet black tail.
Despite popular opinion, the horny part of the hooves of such animals is not always black - sometimes it has a gray tint. Foals of this color are born with brown fur. It has an uneven color. As it develops, the shade becomes charcoal. During the molting period, even in adult horses, the fur becomes dull and becomes uneven in color. Experts say that the shine and properties of wool depend on the composition of the feed and proper care of horses.
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 for a red tint is designated as “E”.
Variations of black suit
Today there are many variations of this suit. Each of them is characterized by certain features.
Classical
This category includes animals that are distinguished by a pure shade. They have a uniform and bright color. Such horses practically do not shed and do not fade when exposed to sunlight. This is due to the high durability of the pigment. The standard shade has a blue tint that appears in bright light.
Tan shade
This color is characterized by inclusions of light hairs. This is why the fur turns brown. The effect is enhanced in bright light. In this case, the horses look quite bright. Such pets can shed.
Ash-black
Animals of this color are difficult to distinguish from classic black ones. At the same time, the color is slightly paler, it has a chestnut tint. The appearance of this color is associated with the presence of the Cremello gene, which acts against the background of a black color.
Silver-raven
These horses look simply incredible. They are distinguished by black fur in combination with a white mane and the same tail. However, this shade is very rare.
Raven piebald
This is one of the most attractive varieties. The body of such horses is decorated with large white spots. The contrasting black and white coat looks very impressive and therefore attracts a lot of attention. Horses that have limbs of different shades look especially attractive. In America, piebald horses are considered a symbol of the Indians.
Raven 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 ashen coating, which is evenly distributed over the animal’s body.
Types of black horses
Black color is typical for many working and riding breeds. Such animals are often used to transport goods. This coat color is characteristic of the Friesian breed. Its representatives are only black. At the same time, the Suffol and Gafflin breeds, on the contrary, cannot have such a shade of wool. This is due to the absence of the desired gene.
The most popular breeds that have a black coat color include the following:
- Friesian - 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 are only black. 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 have a massive body and at the same time are able to move gracefully. Horses are characterized by a calm and patient nature. The sharp intelligence of horses is considered an undoubted advantage.
- The Shire is an English type of draft horse. They are black or have other shades of fur. Shires are considered obedient. Therefore, horses are often crossed with other breeds to impart this character trait to them.
Horses that are black look very attractive. The standard color option has a beautiful blue tint. In addition, there are many other varieties that are also popular among horse breeders.
