Q: Why are grey horses born darker?
A: Compared to white horses with pink skin, grey horses possess a specific gene inherited from one or both parents. This gene causes the horse’s coat to turn grey with age even though he was born darker, usually chestnut or bay. The skin of these grey horses is not pink and will stay the same colour from birth (usually black).
The speed at which a horse or pony goes grey varies between individuals, but in foals and yearlings, the first white hairs usually appear around the muzzle and eyes and on the flanks. Over time, the horse or pony’s coat is likely to become dappled and eventually turn completely white, perhaps with flea-bitten markings.
