Black-pigment dilution
Silver lightens black eumelanin, particularly in the mane and tail. It is visible on black and bay horses but usually hidden on chestnut.
A dilution of black pigment that notably lightens the mane and tail. On a black base, it often produces a chocolate-colored body with silver or flaxen hairs.
On black, the body often becomes chocolate with silver or flaxen hair. On bay, the effect is strongest in the black points.
The dominant Silver variant is associated with PMEL. Some Silver genotypes are also associated with multiple congenital ocular anomalies of variable severity.
Foals may be born unusually pale and darken later. Mane, tail and body shades vary with age and season.
Silver may resemble flaxen, palomino, chocolate or sooty coats. Base-color analysis and genetic testing can resolve uncertainty.
Explore the profiles of breeds in which this coat or trait is present or documented.
Discover the American Miniature Horse, an elegant and intelligent miniature horse under 86 cm tall, admired for its beauty and gentle temperament.
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Discover the American Saddlebred, an elegant and expressive saddle horse, famous for its high-stepping gaits and iconic role in equestrian shows.
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Versatile, athletic and high-performing, the American Warmblood excels in equestrian sports. Discover its origins, temperament and strengths.
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Why is the Irish Cob so loved? Gentle, hardy and versatile, this horse with abundant feathering is ideal for riding and driving.
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Discover the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, an American breed renowned for its exceptionally smooth gait, gentle temperament, and versatility.
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Discover the Rocky Mountain Horse, an American breed renowned for its smooth gait, gentle temperament, and distinctive chocolate-colored coat.
View profileOn black, the body often becomes chocolate with silver or flaxen hair. On bay, the effect is strongest in the black points.
Foals may be born unusually pale and darken later. Mane, tail and body shades vary with age and season.
Silver may resemble flaxen, palomino, chocolate or sooty coats. Base-color analysis and genetic testing can resolve uncertainty.
Visual examination is sometimes sufficient, but genetic testing can be useful when several coats look similar or when breeding decisions are involved.
