Lightening modifier
Mealy, also called pangare, lightens specific areas without replacing the underlying base coat. It is especially visible around the muzzle and underside.
A lightening of the coat around the muzzle, eyes, belly, and inner legs.
Hair becomes paler around the eyes, muzzle, belly, armpits and inner legs.
The precise genetic basis of mealy in horses is not fully resolved. It should not be presented as a uniform whole-body dilution.
Contrast varies with season, coat length and the underlying color.
It may resemble fading or naturally pale markings. Its symmetrical ventral distribution is characteristic.
Explore the profiles of breeds in which this coat or trait is present or documented.
Discover the Alter Real, an elegant and powerful Portuguese baroque horse, descendant of the Lusitano, admired in classical dressage and haute école.
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The Ase Català is one of the world's largest donkey breeds. Discover its origin, temperament, history and unique characteristics.
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The Breton, Brittany's iconic draft horse and France's most widespread, still harvests seaweed along the coastline. Sturdy, powerful and gentle, a truly authentic French breed.
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Origin, temperament, morphology, history and conservation: discover everything you need to know about the Miranda Donkey, one of Portugal's iconic donkey breeds.
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The Camargue, the "white horse of the sea", is born dark and slowly turns grey. Raised semi-wild in the Rhône delta marshes, it's the legendary mount of the Camargue guardians.
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Discover the Castillonnais horse, a rare mountain breed originating from Ariège, ideal for hiking, driving and leisure activities.
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Discover the Corsican Horse, a hardy island breed standing 1.30 to 1.52 m, renowned for its sure-footedness, endurance and adaptation to Corsica's terrain.
View profileDiscover the Czech Sport Pony, a versatile and athletic breed, ideal for children’s riding and pony sport competitions.
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Fjord horse, a hardy breed from Norway, known for its strength, calm nature, and distinctive two-tone mane.
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Discover the Florida Cracker Horse, a Spanish colonial horse from Florida, agile and fast, used for cattle work and known for its exceptional endurance.
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Discover the Franches-Montagnes horse, a versatile Swiss breed, ideal for driving, trekking, and leisure riding.
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Discover the Giara Pony, an indigenous Sardinian breed living semi-wild on the Giara di Gesturi plateau. Hardy, enduring, and rare, it represents a unique genetic and cultural heri ...
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Discover the Guizhou horse, a rare breed from the mountains of China: a small, hardy and enduring horse perfectly adapted to difficult terrain.
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The Haflinger is a golden Tyrolean horse with flaxen mane, descending from the stallion Folie. Hardy, gentle and versatile, ideal for leisure riding and families.
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Discover the Highland Pony, a robust and friendly breed, perfect for trail riding, driving, and riders of all experience levels.
View profileThe Jianchang horse, a small Chinese mountain breed from Sichuan, known for its hardiness and agility, measuring around 110–120 cm and weighing 180–250 kg.
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Is the Konik a descendant of the Tarpan? Discover this hardy Polish primitive horse and its role in conservation.
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Discover the Mongolian Horse, the legendary mount of Genghis Khan. Hardy, tireless, and perfectly adapted to the steppes, it continues to fascinate today.
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The Murgese, black Apulian horse descended from Barb and Andalusian bloodlines since the 15th century, is an ancestor of the Lipizzaner. Raised semi-wild on the Murge plateau, acti ...
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Originating from the Austrian Alps, the Noriker is a powerful and versatile draft horse. Discover its uses and its calm, gentle temperament.
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Discover the Paraguayan Horse, or Paraguayan Criollo: a small, hardy and enduring horse, loyal and perfectly adapted to South American ranch life.
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Discover the Poitevin Mulassier, an iconic French draft horse from the Marais Poitevin, known for its strength, rarity, and role in mule breeding.
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The Pottok is a hardy pony from the Basque Country, known for its freedom, strength, and use in trekking and riding schools.
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Discover Przewalski's Horse, the last surviving wild horse species, a symbol of the Mongolian steppe, rare, robust, and preserved through conservation programs.
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The Žemaitukas horse is an ancient Lithuanian breed, robust and versatile. Standing 128–138 cm and weighing 350–420 kg, it is valued for endurance, hardiness, and historical import ...
View profileHair becomes paler around the eyes, muzzle, belly, armpits and inner legs.
Contrast varies with season, coat length and the underlying color.
It may resemble fading or naturally pale markings. Its symmetrical ventral distribution is characteristic.
Visual examination is sometimes sufficient, but genetic testing can be useful when several coats look similar or when breeding decisions are involved.
