Pedigree Query

Why does colour seem to be so important to people on this forum? Every foal watch has detailed descriptions of the amount of "chrome" and in-depth analysis of what colour the horses actually are.

I'm not denegrating anyone in any way, I just find it strange that people are so caught up in colour when breeding animals whose value is based not on that, but on how fast they can run!

I think its because the people participating in this forum are not only racehorse breeders, owners etc but also sporthorse breeders and owners.

The first group typically doesn't care about color while the secoind group often does.

Or, like me, they're interested in the gene pool and genetics and the way colors pop up out of nowhere, it seems.

There are several solid colored stallions and mares that mysteriously have foals with lots of bling. Its always interesting to see what you get especially off the solid horses with the hidden gene. The bling is just an added bonus.

Because they're PURTY!

And figuring out how they got here is interesting.

To me it's like the difference between a BMW and a BMW-i. Sure both are great , but one appeals more to you individually. As you can tell by my avatar, I like a little bling on hooves and wheels. But I own both kinds!

But sure would be nice to be in a winner's circle with a horse as fast as it was pretty.....

Actually, the whole board isn't... if you look, it's generally the same people posting about colour. IME, most of the board doesn't care or comment one way or another. Colour doesn't run.

I think a number of members, act as spotters for Jorge. He's researching not color exactly, but using color as a marker for traits that may be on the same chromosome. When ever I run across a horse that fits his research profile, I'll post a note, or a link about it in the General Discussion topic.

His research does work both ways, as I think there is a link between the non-bay black based horses and maximum expression of the newly verified Dominant White gene. This came directly from looking at Jorge's research on White TB's, and I never would have noticed this connection without Jorge's
detailed research.

Ok next question...

Why call it "chrome"?

I always thought chrome was silver, or, more specifically, having the character of Chromium!

Tonno100 wrote:Ok next question...

Why call it "chrome"?

I always thought chrome was silver, or, more specifically, having the character of Chromium!

It's simply slang...like bling, etc.. It saves time typing a complete description. If the photo is posted, why take the time to state "three white stockings and an interesting blaze..."

Lots of white? (less letters than chrome!)

Hope all are taking this in good humour!!

I think it's important to remember that for the most part, even color breeders are looking for a quality horse first and foremost. The color is a bonus. A horse with more "chrome" is also an easier sell once its racing career is over. Flashy horses are more desirable in the show ring and therefore easier to sell or adopt as an OTT or sporthorse prospect....

"lots of white" has too many syllables hehehehe!!!

Regal stated it pretty good too. The show ring demands standouts (though I wish they'd do away with all that razzmataz clothes and tack) and most people who want to show THINK they need that horse to stand out in a crowd. Tb's that have "bling" will get picked up twice as easy for those homes as opposed to non marked Tb's. Not fair at all to the horse, but we humans are doing nothing but constantly trying to one up the other, and it filters over to everything we get our hands on, good and bad.

And then yes Jorge the great!! Doing wonderful extensive work on Tb's of color!

Tonno100 wrote:Ok next question...

Why call it "chrome"?

I always thought chrome was silver, or, more specifically, having the character of Chromium!

Calling the white markings "chrome", also refers to the shiny properties of the color, much like "shiny chrome on a car". Horses with white faces are called bald, once again referring to the reflective quality of the white marking(like the shiny bald head on a man).

My favorite color is = in the winner's circle.