Buying first horse but worried about colour

[JazzyBoots]

Hello,

I’m buying my first horse but have been riding for 15 years+. I found the best girl, who has all the buttons and quietness I’m looking for. She is an Andalusian/Appy cross from beautiful parents. She’s white with the leopard spots on her hind end and legs and mottling on face. I really like it! But I’m worried she won’t show well with the pink/black mottling under a very white coat. Should I care?

 

[carthorse]

Are you buying her with showing as your main interest? If so it may be an issue, particularly in non-performance classes, but the fact she isn't a purebred would probably be a bigger one. It won't be an issue at all for things like dressage, show jumping or eventing. Outside the "beauty queen" classes there's a lot of truth in the old saying "a good horse is never a bad colour".

Only you can decide what matters most to you.

 

[Lollykay]

Are you buying her with showing as your main interest? If so it may be an issue, particularly in non-performance classes, but the fact she isn't a purebred would probably be a bigger one. It won't be an issue at all for things like dressage, show jumping or eventing. Outside the "beauty queen" classes there's a lot of truth in the old saying "a good horse is never a bad colour".

Only you can decide what matters most to you.

^^^^Sums it up nicely.

 

[Skib]

Showing wouldnt matter to me but a grey with pink skin might. My much loved RS oversize Connie died of Melanoma aged 16. I would none the less buy a grey Connie, if I buy a horse. I was talking about it with OH yesterday.

 

[JazzyBoots]

Showing wouldnt matter to me but a grey with pink skin might. My much loved RS oversize Connie died of Melanoma aged 16. I would none the less buy a grey Connie, if I buy a horse. I was talking about it with OH yesterday.

Oh I’m sorry…are you saying it’s a health risk? Pics below!

 

[JazzyBoots]

Are you buying her with showing as your main interest? If so it may be an issue, particularly in non-performance classes, but the fact she isn't a purebred would probably be a bigger one. It won't be an issue at all for things like dressage, show jumping or eventing. Outside the "beauty queen" classes there's a lot of truth in the old saying "a good horse is never a bad colour".

Only you can decide what matters most to you.

Thank you! She would be shown in eventing so no worry about being purebred

 

[carthorse]

In eventing colour is completely irrelevant - she could be pink with purple spots and get the same marks.

@Skib and @JazzyBoots melanomas are linked to the greying out gene, not skin colour. So as this mare is part bred Appaloosa and showing that colouring I'd say there's a good chance she was born this colour, isn't greying out and therefore melanoma is no higher a risk than in any other horse. Sun block may be useful on the nose though!

 

[JazzyBoots]

In eventing colour is completely irrelevant - she could be pink with purple spots and get the same marks.

@Skib and @JazzyBoots melanomas are linked to the greying out gene, not skin colour. So as this mare is part bred Appaloosa and showing that colouring I'd say there's a good chance she was born this colour, isn't greying out and therefore melanoma is no higher a risk than in any other horse. Sun block may be useful on the nose though!

Thank you!

 

[Jane&Ziggy]

If she's going to event and you like her and like her colour, then go for it! No disadvantage in having an Appy when eventing.

 

[newforest]

If you are not showing, why does this concern you?

Personally I wouldn't choose a grey because mine live out 24/7 and it's clay ish soil. So they would just look like a light dun all year round.

 

[JazzyBoots]

If you are not showing, why does this concern you?

Personally I wouldn't choose a grey because mine live out 24/7 and it's clay ish soil. So they would just look like a light dun all year round.

It doesn’t! I guess I had a few people comment on her face but I actually really like it. And she frames up beautifully and has had some nice dressage training (she knows more than I do!)

 

[Mary Poppins]

I think she has a pretty face. The only thing I would worry about is sunburn on the pink bits, but sun cream and a long uvb flymask will sort that out. Good luck with her, she looks lovely.

 

[Huggy]

She's very pretty - my old boy was a grey (pure white from 8 years on), but his skin was black. Only problem I ever had was getting him clean for shows! From the way you talk about her, I think you're hooked - go for it - if you think she's beautiful, she is.

 

[JazzyBoots]

She's very pretty - my old boy was a grey (pure white from 8 years on), but his skin was black. Only problem I ever had was getting him clean for shows! From the way you talk about her, I think you're hooked - go for it - if you think she's beautiful, she is.

You’re right haha I am hooked. She’s so lovely…thank you!

 

[newforest]

It doesn’t! I guess I had a few people comment on her face but I actually really like it. And she frames up beautifully and has had some nice dressage training (she knows more than I do!)

People will always comment regardless of what horse someone buys.
Listen to those who can be pleased for you and say something positive.
Concern yes, negative comments no.

 

[Doodle92]

The only problem with a different coloured horse out competing is you are noticeable. Which is great when it is all going well and.l not so good when it isn’t

 

[Perivor]

I'm always nervous of using suncream, as most of it is carcinogenic. She does look lovely though and congratulations on your purchase.
I am picking mine (2nd after 30 years of not being with ponies) up tomorrow!

 

[carthorse]

This one has already been moved on and she's looking at another.