Silver (Z)
Silver is a dominant dilution that primarily affects black pigment (Bay and Black bases).
A horse carrying the Silver gene (Z/n or Z/Z) will not visibly display the dilution on a chestnut (e/e) coat because Silver affects black pigment. However, this horse can still produce Silver offspring, as it can pass down the gene through breeding.
Silver horses typically have lightened black pigment, often resulting in chocolate colored coats or lighter manes and tails.
However, the extent of the dilution can vary depending on the horse's base color and other genetics. In game, Silver currently only affects the mane and tail of a horse in most cases.
Silver Coat Colors
The resulting color depends on the horse's base color:
- Black + Silver (Z) - Silver Black
- Bay + Silver (Z) - Silver Bay
- Chestnut + Silver (Z) - Chestnut (No Impact)
Smoky Black Silver
In game, a Smoky Black Silver horse (Black base + CR/n + Z) produces a caramel colored coat.
While a single copy of Cream on a black base typically has little visible effect, combining it with the Silver gene can produce a much lighter, caramel-colored base coat along with the typical Silver mane and tail.
Silver Inheritance
Because Silver is dominant, only one copy is needed for the dilution to be expressed on a horse with black pigment.
- Z/Z - The horse has two copies of Silver and will always pass Silver to its offspring.
- Z/n - The horse has one copy of Silver and has a 50% chance of passing Silver to its offspring.
- n/n - The horse does not have the Silver gene and will not visibly display it or be able to pass it to its offspring.