What is red roan?

Red roan is a coat color found in horses that is characterized by a reddish base coat with a mixture of white or grey hairs interspersed throughout. This creates a unique roan pattern that gives the horse a speckled or dappled appearance.

The red roan coloration is the result of a combination of the base coat color (red or chestnut) and the roan gene, which causes the white or grey hairs to appear on the horse's body. The distribution of the white or grey hairs can vary, with some horses having a more evenly spread roan pattern while others may have larger patches of colored and white hairs.

Red roan horses can be found in a variety of breeds, including Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and Appaloosas. The color is considered to be visually striking and is popular among horse enthusiasts for its unique and eye-catching appearance.

In terms of genetics, red roan is considered to be a dominant gene, meaning that if a horse inherits the gene from one parent, it will display the red roan coloration. However, if a horse inherits two copies of the roan gene (one from each parent), it may exhibit a more extreme roan pattern known as a "homozygous roan."

Overall, red roan horses are known for their distinctive appearance and are often sought after for their beauty and individuality.