Diluted coat
Silver bay is a bay coat in which the Silver variant lightens black pigment. The red body is largely preserved while the mane, tail and formerly black points become lighter.
A bay coat affected by the silver gene, with a lightened mane and tail and points that may appear brown or grayish rather than black.
The mane and tail may be blond, silver or grayish, and the legs may appear chocolate or gray-brown. The body retains a bay tone.
The dominant Silver variant involving PMEL primarily affects black eumelanin. It is visible in the black areas of bay but may be hidden in chestnut horses.
Mane and leg color can change with age and season, making young horses difficult to classify by appearance alone.
It may resemble flaxen chestnut, light bay or a mealy coat. Lightened points derived from genetically black areas are an important clue.
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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The Paint Horse, an American breed recognized for its pinto coat and versatility, excels in western riding, leisure, and competitions.
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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.
View profileDiscover the Czech Sport Pony, a versatile and athletic breed, ideal for children’s riding and pony sport competitions.
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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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Why is the Missouri Fox Trotter so comfortable? Discover this smooth gaited horse, perfect for trail riding and western riding.
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Discover the Morgan horse, an American breed renowned for its elegance, strength, and versatility, descended from the legendary stallion Figure.
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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 profileThe mane and tail may be blond, silver or grayish, and the legs may appear chocolate or gray-brown. The body retains a bay tone.
Mane and leg color can change with age and season, making young horses difficult to classify by appearance alone.
It may resemble flaxen chestnut, light bay or a mealy coat. Lightened points derived from genetically black areas are an important clue.
Visual examination is sometimes sufficient, but genetic testing can be useful when several coats look similar or when breeding decisions are involved.
