Dilutions
Dilution Genes
Dilution genes lighten or alter the base coat colour.
Cream (CR)
Cream is an incomplete dominant dilution. One copy creates a single dilute, while two copies create a double dilute.
Single Cream
| Base | Result |
|---|---|
| Chestnut | Palomino |
| Bay | Buckskin |
| Black | Smoky Black |
Double Cream
| Base | Result |
|---|---|
| Chestnut | Cremello |
| Bay | Perlino |
| Black | Smoky Cream |
Palomino Variations
Buckskin Variations
Dun (D)
Dun lightens the body while leaving primitive markings visible. Primitive markings include dorsal stripes, leg barring, shoulder stripes, and face masks.
| Base | Result |
|---|---|
| Chestnut | Red Dun |
| Bay | Bay Dun |
| Black | Grulla |
Primitive Markings
Primitive markings are controlled separately through:
- D
- nd1
- nd2
A horse may display primitive markings without being fully dun.
Champagne (CH)
Champagne dilutes both red and black pigment while creating lighter eyes and mottled skin.
| Base | Result |
|---|---|
| Chestnut | Gold Champagne |
| Bay | Amber Champagne |
| Black | Classic Champagne |













