Brown - or black?

BROWN

Generally a deep, medium to dark brown body, sometimes appearing black.  If you look closely at these horses, their points are always brown, not black (especially clear on the muzzle).  There is a definite difference between horses that are dark bay and horses that are brown. 

Ø  If there is confusion between bay and brown, the term bay/brown can be used.  As ever, these horses can have white markings. 

Ø  Different from black – there are lighter areas at the muzzle, eyes, flanks, inside upper legs.

Ø  Also called seal coloured. 

Ø  The abbreviation br is used for brown horses.

BLACK

True black is unusual in some breeds, such as Thoroughbred, but other breeds are almost defined by it, Friesians, Merens, Dales and Fell.  Black Arabs and Shires are popular.

To be described as black, the horse must be solid black all over the body, black points, mane, tail and legs.  The muzzle and inner thigh in particular, should be checked for the horse being brown and not black.  The horse may get bleached by the sun in summer and lighten, but they are still black. 

Ø  A black horse can still have white markings on their faces or legs.

Ø  Relatively simple colour, does vary slightly in shades though – blue black through to silvery black and even a coppery black.

Ø  Regressive for AGOUTI and dominant for EXTENSION (aa E)

Ø  The abbreviation bl is used for black horses.