Point Coloration in Horses
In horses, point coloration is produced by the action of the Agouti gene, which acts on the extension gene, when present, to suppress black color to the extremities of the horse; the legs, mane, tail and tips of the ears. If the extension gene is not present, the effect of agouti is not visible. Points are most typically seen on a bay-colored horse that has a black mane, tail, legs and ear tips while the body and head will show the underlying chestnut or "red" base color. Other genes or white markings may affect a horse's coat color in addition to agouti, and if present, can alter or suppress black hair color, which will mask any point coloration. Any horse breed may have point coloration with the exception of a very small number of horse breeds where humans have specifically used selective breeding to eliminate coloring produced by the agouti gene.
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