Horse Color Calculator

Parent 1 Base Color:

Parent 2 Base Color:

Horse Color Calculator – How It Works & How to Use It

The Horse Color Calculator is an online genetic prediction tool that estimates possible foal coat colors based on the base colors of two parent horses.

This tool is useful for breeders, horse owners, and equine enthusiasts who want to anticipate what color offspring a pair of horses might produce. While it does not replace DNA testing, it provides a simplified, educational view of coat color genetics.

Understanding Horse Coat Color Genetics

Horse coat colors are determined by the interaction of base coat genes and modifier genes:

Base Coat Genes
- E (Extension) gene determines black pigment.
- A (Agouti) gene controls the distribution of black pigment, turning black into bay.
Dilution Genes
- The cream gene dilutes red and black pigment, creating colors like palomino and buckskin.
- Dun gene lightens the body while keeping primitive markings.
Grey Gene
- Causes progressive whitening of the coat over time, regardless of base color.

This calculator focuses on visible base coat colors and common dilution effects.

How to Use the Horse Color Calculator

Step 1: Choose Parent 1 Base Color

From the dropdown, select the visible coat color of the first parent horse.
Example: Bay

Step 2: Choose Parent 2 Base Color

Select the coat color of the second parent horse.
Example: Palomino

Step 3: Click “Calculate Possible Foal Colors”

The calculator will instantly display a list of potential foal coat colors.

Step 4: Interpret Results

Example:
- Parent 1: Bay
- Parent 2: Palomino
- Possible Foal Colors: Buckskin, Bay, Palomino

Example Prediction

If you breed:

Parent 1: Palomino
Parent 2: Palomino

Possible results:

Palomino
Cremello
Chestnut

Limitations of the Calculator

This is a simplified prediction tool.
Actual foal colors can vary due to hidden recessive genes and rare genetic combinations.
For precise genetic outcomes, DNA color testing is recommended.

FAQ – Horse Color Calculator

How accurate is the Horse Color Calculator?
It’s based on simplified genetic principles, so it’s educational rather than definitive. Actual results depend on the horse’s hidden genetic makeup.

Can the calculator predict patterns like pinto or roan?
No, this version focuses on base coat colors. Patterns are controlled by different genes.

Does the grey gene always show in results?
If one parent is grey, it’s likely the foal will be grey — but the calculator also lists the base coat that would be visible before greying.

Can two chestnuts produce a black foal?
No. Two chestnuts can only produce chestnut foals because they lack the gene for black pigment.

Why does the calculator sometimes say “various combinations”?
That happens when the pairing has multiple possible genetic outcomes not covered in the simplified prediction model.