All About Appaloosas (WIP)
This section will include what is known about Appaloosas in the game. Work in Progress by Cheshire Farms (Bluegrass Server)
- Intro to Appaloosa Genetics
- How Do Appaloosa Genes Work Together
- Interactions of Appaloosa Spotting with Other Genes
- Interactions of Appaloosa Spotting with Fantasy Genes
- Study #1: PATN1 + LPP1/LPP2
- Study #2: Appaloosa + Halo
- Study #3: Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
- Study #4: Appaloosa Spotting + Pigment Density Regulator (Bl)
Intro to Appaloosa Genetics
This article will introduce you to the building blocks of Appaloosa Genetics for Hunt&Jump. After you have finished reading, you should be able to start your own program!
Proposed Talking Points
- In Game Vocabulary
- The Appaloosa Spotting Genes
- Hidden Interactions in Appaloosa Spotting
- Genes Independent of Appaloosa Spotting
In Game Vocabulary
In Game Vocabulary
Allele: It is a variant, or mutation, to a gene (e.g., LPP1 and LPP2 are Alleles of the LP Promoter Gene). Rarely used in H&J language, but seen in this article.
Appaloosa Characteristics: Appaloosa (LP) will add mottling to the horses skin as well as Varnishing. Also see Bronzing in this article.
Gene: A section of DNA that codes for a specific inheritance (e.g., Appaloosa is the Gene). For the purpose of H&J, Alleles are called Genes. Genes are what give our horses a variety of colors and patterns.
Gene Modification Treatment: An in-game service that allows you to see and modify most of your Horses Genes.
Heterozygous: One copy of an Allele (i.e., LP/-). See this section for more information.
Homozygous: Two copies of the same Allele (i.e., LP/LP). See this section for more information.
Incomplete Dominant: Two copies of a Gene will have greater expression than one copy of a Gene.
Pigment Density: How concentrated (i.g., dark) a horses color is. Black is more dense than Bay, and Bay is more dense than Chestnut.
Recessive: Will only show the effect when two copies (i.e., Homozygous) of the Allele are present.
Varnishing: A Different Pattern from Roan or Gray, this Gene progressively lightens a horses color by the addition of White hairs throughout the coat.
The Appaloosa Spotting Genes
The Appaloosa Spotting Genes are probably the most dynamic genes in all of Hunt & Jump, which means they are also the most complicated to understand. I've been breeding them for years, and still find new things to learn about. Generally speaking your Appaloosa Spotting Genes are going to be influenced by three primary factors:
- Other Appaloosa Spotting Genes
- Pigment Density
- Age
Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, Vrn/Vrn |
Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn (the addition of the LPP1 Allele increased Blanket size) |
Liver Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/- |
Liver Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, Cr/-, D/-, mu/- (the addition of Dilution genes reduces Pigment and increased Varnishing from LP) |
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The same horse on the left, but at age 23 |
The Appaloosa Spotting Genes
Black LP/-, Vrn/- |
Bay Dun LP/-, PATN1/-, Vrn/Vrn |
Appaloosa (LP) |
Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) |
Bay LP/-, snow/snow |
Brown Dun LP/-, PATN/-, LPP1/-, ASR1/-, H/H |
Snowflake Varnish (snow) |
Varnish Regulator 2 (H) |
Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1, ASR1/ASR1 |
Bay LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/- |
Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1) |
Varnish Promoter (Vrn) |
Homozygous LPP1 Bay Dun LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/- |
Heterozygous LPP2 Bay Dun LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/-, Vrn/- |
LP Promoter |
LPP1 - Extends the PATN1 Blanket, but Spot size remains the same.
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Genes Independent of Appaloosa Spotting
Genes Independent of Appaloosa Spotting
The following genes do not affect Appaloosa Spotting Genes, but you may see them on Appaloosas depending on other genes they carry.
Kit Genes
Splash Genes
Frame
Phantom Genes
White Factor
This information was compiled by Cheshire Farms on the Bluegrass Server and is current as of November 26, 2023.
Special thank you to Ammit and Cheshire Farms for contributing photos to this article.
How Do Appaloosa Genes Work Together
Appaloosa Spotting Genes are some of the most complex Genetics in Hunt&Jump, they work together and react to one another in such a way, that every horse is unique.
Proposed Talking Points
- In Game Vocabulary
- How Do Appaloosa Genes Work Together
In Game Vocabulary
In Game Vocabulary
Allele: It is a variant, or mutation, to a gene (e.g., LPP1 and LPP2 are Alleles of the LP Promoter Gene). Rarely used in H&J language, but seen in this article.
Appaloosa Characteristics: Appaloosa (LP) will add mottling to the horses skin as well as Varnishing.
Gene: A section of DNA that codes for a specific inheritance (e.g., Appaloosa is the Gene). For the purpose of H&J, Alleles are called Genes. Genes are what give our horses a variety of colors and patterns.
Heterozygous: One copy of an Allele (i.e., LP/-). See this section for more information.
Homozygous: Two copies of the same Allele (i.e., LP/LP). See this section for more information.
How Do Appaloosa Genes Work Together
Heterozygous Appaloosa (LP) vs. Homozygous Appaloosa (LP/LP)
By itself, the LP gene is just a switch to turn on the expression of other genes. It will add Appaloosa Characteristics, but those characteristics do not change between Heterozygous and Homozygous expression. However when the LP gene is Homozygous, and paired with other Appaloosa Spotting Genes, you will see an extreme difference from the Heterozygous expression.
Bay LP/- |
Chestnut LP/LP, LPP2/- |
Brown LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, ASR1/ASR1 |
Liver Chestnut LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, ASR1/ASR1 |
Homozygous LP will remove Spots. Any genes that affect Spots will not be visible.
The following sections describe some of the interactions within the Appaloosa Spotting Gene group. Expand each section to see examples.
Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1)
Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1)
LP/-, PATN1/- : smaller spotted blanket, usually over the hips
LP/-, PATN1/PANT1 : larger spotted blanket, typically extending past the withers
E/E, a/a, LP/-, PATN1/- |
E/E, a/a, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1 |
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1)
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1)
Homozygous LP does not change Blanket size. It does however remove Spots from the Blanket.
LP/LP, PATN1/- : smaller blanket, usually over the hips
LP/LP, PATN1/PANT1 : larger blanket, typically extending past the withers
E/E, A/a, LP/LP, PATN1/- |
E/E, A/a, LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1 |
LP + Snowflake Varnish (snow)
Heterozygous (LP) + Snowflake Varnish (snow)
LP/-, snow/- : snowflake varnish will not show unless Homozygous
LP/-, snow/snow : white spots that multiple with time, can be influenced by other genes
E/E, A/a, LP/-, snow/snow |
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Snowflake Varnish (snow)
Homozygous LP does not change the expression of Snowflake. Will appear the same as Heterozygous LP.
Future Study on Snowflake interactions
LP + Varnish Regulator 2 (H)
Heterozygous (LP) + Varnish Regulator 2 (H)
LP/-, H/- : will have smaller expression of Halo ring
LP/-, H/H: results in greater expression of Halo ring
LP/-, PATN1/-1, LPP1/-, Vrn/-, Sty/Sty, H/- |
LP/-, PATN1/-1, LPP1/-, Vrn/-, Sty/Sty, H/H |
Since Homozygous LP removes Spots, the Varnish Regulator 2 Gene will have nothing to affect.
See Study #2: Appaloosa + Halo for more results on how Halo interacts with Appaloosa Spotting Genes and Base Color.
LP + Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
The nature of the Appaloosa Gene (LP) does not actually add spots to the coat. Because of this, without any spots to affect, ASR1 will not show in the presence of only LP.
See the section LP + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1) below for more information.
E/e, A/A, D/-. DFP1/DFP1, Sty/Sty, P/P, LP/-, ASR1/ASR1 |
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
Since Homozygous LP removes Spots, the Appaloosa Spot Regulator Gene will have nothing to affect regardless of what other Spotting Genes are present.
LP + Varnish Promoter (Vrn)
Heterozygous (LP) + Varnish Promoter (Vrn)
LP/-, Vrn/- : single copy of Varnish speeds up Varnishing as the horse ages
LP/-, Vrn/Vrn : two copies of Varnish makes a horse Varnish faster
E/E, a/a, Cr/-, Sty/Sty, DP/-, LP/-, Vrn/-
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E/e, A/a, Sty/Sty, DP/DP, LP/-, Vrn/- , age 19 |
E/e, A/a, Sty/Sty, DP/DP, LP/-, Vrn/Vrn , age 19 |
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Varnish Promoter (Vrn)
Homozygous LP does not change the expression of Varnish. Will appear the same as Heterozygous LP.
Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP1)
Check out Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) to see examples of PATN1 Blanket Size. LPP1 adds to PATN1 by spreading the Blanket.
Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP1)
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/- : extends Blanket Size, generally over the ribs
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1 : extends Blanket Size, generally beyond the withers
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/- : extends Blanket Size to Near-Leopard, typically leaves colored Points
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP1 : extends Blanket Size to Near-Leopard, typically leaves colored Points
E/e, A/a, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/- |
E/e, A/a, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1 |
E/e, A/a, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/- |
E/e, A/a, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP1 |
See Study #1: PATN1 + LPP1/LPP2 to see more examples of LP Promoter interaction with Appaloosa Blanket Size
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP1)
Check out Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) to see examples of PATN1 Blanket Size. LPP1 adds to PATN1 by spreading the Blanket.
Homozygous LP does not change Blanket size. It does however remove Spots from the Blanket.
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP1)
LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/- : extends Blanket Size, generally over the ribs
LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1 : extends Blanket Size, generally beyond the withers
LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/- : extends Blanket Size to Near-Leopard, typically leaves colored Points
LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP1 : extends Blanket Size to Near-Leopard, typically leaves colored Points
E/e, a/a, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/- |
E/e, a/a, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1 |
E/e, a/a, LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/- |
E/e, a/a, LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP1 |
See Study #1: PATN1 + LPP1/LPP2 to see more examples of LP Promoter interaction with Appaloosa Blanket Size
Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP2)
Check out Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) to see examples of PATN1 Blanket Size. LPP1 adds to PATN1 by spreading the Blanket.
Heterozygous (LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP2)
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/- : extends Blanket Size beyond the withers, reduces Spot Size
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/LPP2 : extends Blanket Size up the neck and to the knees, extremely reduces Spot Size
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/- : extends Blanket Size to a Near-Leopard, reduces Spot Size
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/LPP2 : extends Blanket Size to a Leopard, extremely reduces Spot Size
E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/- |
E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/LPP2 |
E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/- |
E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/LPP2 |
See Study #1: PATN1 + LPP1/LPP2 to see more examples of LP Promoter interaction with Appaloosa Blanket Size
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP2)
Check out Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) to see examples of PATN1 Blanket Size. LPP1 adds to PATN1 by spreading the Blanket.
Homozygous LP does not change Blanket size. It does however remove Spots from the Blanket.
Homozygous (LP/LP) + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP2)
LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP2/- : extends Blanket Size, generally beyond the withers
LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP2/LPP2 : extends Blanket Size, generally up the neck and to the knees
LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/- : extends Blanket Size to a Few Spot Pattern, typically leaves small colored Points
LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/LPP2 : extends Blanket Size to a Few Spot Pattern, typically leaves horse White
E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP2/-
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E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP2/LPP2
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E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/- |
E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/LPP2 |
See Study #1: PATN1 + LPP1/LPP2 to see more examples of LP Promoter interaction with Appaloosa Blanket Size
LP + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + LP Promoter (LPP1 & LPP2)
Homozygous LP does not change Blanket size. It does however remove Spots from the Blanket.
LP + LP Promoter (LPP1 & LPP2)
LP/-, LPP1/LPP2 : when combined the two LP Promoter genes create a small spotted blanket over the hips
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP2 : creates a large spotted blanket with reduced Spot Size
LP/LP, LPP1/LPP2 : when combined the two LP Promoter genes create a small blanket over the hips
LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP2 : creates a large blanket
e/e, A/A, Sty/Sty, LP/-, LPP1/LPP2
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e/e, A/A, Sty/Sty, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP2
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e/e, A/A, Sty/Sty, LP/LP, LPP1/LPP2 |
e/e, A/A, Sty/Sty, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP2 |
See Study #1: PATN1 + LPP1/LPP2 to see more examples of LP Promoter interaction with Appaloosa Blanket Size
LP + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
Homozygous LP does not change Spot size. It does however remove Spots from the Blanket.
LP + Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1) + Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/- : the presence of ASR1 will create larger spots
LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1 : two copies of ASR1 will produce even larger spots
LP/LP, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1 : homozygous LP removes Spots, ASR1 won't be visible
E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/-
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E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1
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E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, ASR1/- |
E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, ASR1/ASR1 |
Check out Study #3: Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1) for more examples of how other genes react with ASR1.
Snowflake Varnish (snow) + Varnish Promoter (Vrn)
Snowflake Varnish (snow) + Varnish Promoter (Vrn)
snow/snow, -/- : base color is clear, snowflake spotting is spread out
snow/snow, Vrn/- : base color is varnished, snowflake spotting is more concentrated
snow/snow, Vrn/Vrn : base color is extremely varnished, snowflake spotting is densely concentrated
Chestnut LP/-, snow/snow, -/- |
Chestnut LP/-, snow/snow, Vrn/- |
Chestnut LP/-, snow/snow, Vrn/Vrn |
This information was compiled by Cheshire Farms on the Bluegrass Server and is current as of November 26, 2023.
Special thank you to Ammit, Cavalynn and Cheshire Farms for contributing photos to this article.
Interactions of Appaloosa Spotting with Other Genes
Appaloosa Spotting Genes react with Non-Appaloosa Genetics, making them a little hard to predict and breed true. However this article is here to help you better understand how things like Pigment Density can produce larger spots.
Proposed Talking Points
- In Game Vocabulary
- How Do Appaloosa Genes Interact with Non-Appaloosa Genes
- Interactions of Appaloosa Spotting and Gender
In Game Vocabulary
In Game Vocabulary
Base Color
Pigment Density
Pinto
Shade
How Do Appaloosa Genes Interact with Non-Appaloosa Genes
Appaloosa Spotting + Black & Red Pigment
Appaloosa Spotting + Black & Red Pigment
Black LP/-. PATN1/-, Sty/Sty, DP/DP |
Bay LP/-. PATN1/-, Sty/Sty |
Chestnut LP/-. PATN1/- |
Pigment density (i.g., how dark a color is), can alter the expression of Appaloosa Spotting Genes by changing the rate they Varnish, or modifying spot size. On a scale of most dense to least dense, we have Black being the most dense, then Bay, followed by Chestnut being the least dense. With the addition of Darkening Genes, we can modify spot size even on Black coats.
Rate of Varnishing | Spot Size | |
Black | Slow | Larger |
Bay | Medium | Average |
Chestnut | Fast | Smaller |
The chart above illustrates how the horses Base Color can influence Varnishing as well as Spot Size. It is important to note that Varnishing and Spot Size are independent of one another.
Appaloosa Spotting + Darkening Genes (Sty, Sty+ and DP)
Appaloosa Spotting + Darkening Genes
Currently there are two genes that cause Pigment to darken, they are Sooty (Sty and S+) and Dense Pheomelanin (DP). These genes can work individually, or combine together to increase the range of Shade and Spot Size.
Sooty (Sty and S+): Darkens a horses coat, and can also increase Spot Size, even in Black Based horses. Sooty + also darkens the coat, but breaks up the pigment to produce heavy dappling.
Dense Pheomelanin (DP): Increases the production of Red Pigment, and can also increase Spot Size, even in Black Based horses.
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The chart above illustrates how the horses Base Color and Darkening Genes can influence Spot Size. It is important to note that these Genes work on Black Based horses as well, even if they are not visually seen.
Sooty Plus (S+) and Spot Size
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All three horses above are LP/-, PATN1/-, S+/S+. While Sooty + changes the shade of a horse, it can also creates larger Spots.
Appaloosa Spotting + Pigment Density Regulator (Bl)
Appaloosa Spotting + Pigment Density Regulator (Bl)
Currently Pigment Density Regulator (Bl) does three different things in the game:
- Reduces the amount of White from Pinto Related Genes
- Adds freckling to White Pinto Related Patterns
- Deepens the Red in the Base Color
Of these three things, the only one that affects Appaloosa Genes is the deepening of Red. It is a very minor change, unlike Sooty and Dense Pheomelanin.
Chestnut + No Bl |
Chestnut + Bl/- |
Chestnut + Bl/Bl |
Pigment Density Regulator (Bl) changed the Shade of the Chestnut horse with each copy of Bl. Because it was Darkening the coat, the effect of Varnishing was also reduced (more Varnishing with no Bl).
Check out Study #4: Appaloosa Spotting + Pigment Density Regulator (Bl) to see more examples of Pigment Density Regulator and Darkening Genes.
Appaloosa Spotting + Lightening Genes
Appaloosa Spotting + Lightening Genes
Cream/Pearl/Sun/Sno
Dun/Non-Dun
Champagne
Silver
Mushroom
Appaloosa Spotting + Pigment Removal
Appaloosa Spotting + Pigment Removal
Grey
Appaloosa Spotting + Other Genes
Appaloosa Spotting + Other Genes
Flaxen
Pangare
Interactions of Appaloosa Spotting and Gender
Interactions of Appaloosa Spotting and Gender
Appaloosa Varnishing will have different expressions between Mares and Stallions, with Mares varnishing a little faster than Stallions.
Stallion showing less Varnishing |
Mare showing more Varnishing |
Stallion showing less Varnishing at 14 yo |
Mare showing more Varnishing at 14 yo |
This information was compiled by Cheshire Farms on the Bluegrass Server and is current as of November 26, 2023.
Special thank you to Ammit and Cheshire Farms for contributing photos to this article.
Interactions of Appaloosa Spotting with Fantasy Genes
The following information has been pieced together from various sources, in hopes of helping the reader better understand H&J's Appaloosa Spotting Genetics.
Proposed Talking Points
- In Game Vocabulary
- How Does Appaloosa Spotting Work with Fantasy Genes
In Game Vocabulary
In Game Vocabulary
How Does Appaloosa Spotting Work with Fantasy Genes
How Does Appaloosa Spotting Work with Fantasy Genes
Chocolate, Platinum, and Chinchilla might interact with Appaloosa Genes because they modify pigment. But need to get clarification from Ammit on this.
This information was compiled by Cheshire Farms on the Bluegrass Server and is current as of November 14, 2023.
Study #1: PATN1 + LPP1/LPP2
This study looks at how LPP1 and LPP2 interact with PATN1 when Varnish Promoters are present, and Darkening Genes are added.
Study #1: 8yo Bay Appaloosa Mare LPP1/LPP2
E/E, A/A, f/-, P/P, W20/-, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/Vrn
Removing LP Promoter Genes
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/Vrn |
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/-, Vrn/Vrn
|
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn |
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, Vrn/Vrn |
Notice how she went from Leopard to Near Leopard with the removal of LP Promoter Genes (LPP1 and LPP2)
Heterozygous for PATN1
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/Vrn |
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/-, Vrn/Vrn |
LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn |
LP/-, PATN1/-, Vrn/Vrn |
It appears PATN1's default state is a Blanket over the hips, and LP Promoter helps it spread across the body
Removing LP Promoter Genes While Adding Darkening Genes
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty |
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty
|
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/-, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty, DP/DP |
LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty, DP/DP |
Final Observations
- If LPP2 is present, Spot Size remains smaller regardless of LPP1 or not.
- Each time LPP2 was present with Homozygous PATN1, the result was a true Leopard Phenotype (i.g., visual appearance).
- LPP2 Spreads Blanket Markings further than LPP1, in the presence of PATN1.
- LPP1 Produces larger Spots than LPP2.
Study #2: Appaloosa + Halo
This study looks at how Appaloosas with Halo Spots react when their Base Colors change.
Study #1: 8yo Black Appaloosa Mare
E/e, a/a, LP/-, LPP1/LPP2
Adding Varnish Regulator 2 (H/H)
Non-Halo |
Black LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, H/H
|
Bay LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, H/H |
Chestnut LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, H/H |
Chestnut Blanket is slightly larger than on Bay and Black
Removing LP Promoters & Adding PATN1
Black LP/-, LPP1/-, H/H |
Black LP/-, LPP2/-, H/H |
Black LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, H/H |
Black LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/-, H/H |
Study #1 showed that in the presence of PATN1, LPP2 actually produced larger white Blanket markings than LPP1 did. But if PATN1 is removed, LPP2 leaves more white than LPP1 (see top row)
Adding Darkening Genes on Homozygous PATN1
Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-, H/H, Sty/Sty |
Bay LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-, H/H, Sty/Sty, DP/DP
|
Pigment density influenced Spot Size as well as Spot Spread. Halo rings are clearly seen with Homozygous Sooty or Homozygous Sooty and Dense Pheomelanin.
Final Observations
- Because Halo gives the impression of shrinking your Spots, it is best seen on horses with larger spots.
- Halo doesn't appear to be as dynamic when changing the base color. Many photos weren't included because the spot size and shape looked the same as the one before it.
- With LPP1 & LPP2 you may be able to see Halo without PATN1. But either LPP1 or LPP2 by itself will not produce Halo marks.
- Darkening genes like DP and Sty make Halo more visible.
Study #3: Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
This study looks at how ASR1 is influenced by other genes.
Study #3: 1yo Bay Appaloosa
E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1
Removing ASR1 Genes
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/- |
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-
|
ASR1 is an incomplete dominate gene, and will have a stronger effect on the spots when Homozygous
Adding Sooty (Sty) + Removing ASR1 Genes
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, Sty/- |
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, Sty/Sty
|
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/-, Sty/Sty |
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, Sty/Sty |
Notice how the addition of Sooty causes the spots to spread further apart. Referring back to the original horse, you can see their spots are very close together, even overlapping. When Sooty is added, the Spots spread further apart, giving the distinct impression of larger spots.
Adding Dense Pheomelanin (DP) + Sooty (Sty)
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, DP/- |
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, DP/DP
|
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, DP/DP, Sty/- |
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, DP/DP, Sty/Sty |
Darkening genes don't add to the Spot Size, but they do make the spots spread further apart.
Adding Diluting Genes to Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1 |
Palomino LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1 |
Reducing the pigment concentration through use of Dilution genes makes minute changes to the white pattern. In the case of Bay vs Palomino, the Palomino has lost some of the smaller freckled spots on their Blanket, giving the impression of larger white areas.
Final Observations
- In the presence of Homozygous ASR1, adding and removing pigment doesn't appear to change Spot Size. It does however influence Spot Spread.
Study #4: Appaloosa Spotting + Pigment Density Regulator (Bl)
This study looks at how the Pigment Density Regulator (Bl) interacts with Appaloosa Spotting and different Base Colors.
Study #4: 9yo Chestnut Appaloosa
(e/e, A/A, f/f, p/p, LP/-, PATN1/-, Vrn/-)
Chestnut + Pigment Density Regulator (Bl)
No Darkening Genes | HET Sooty | HOM Sooty |
No Bl |
No Bl + Sty/- |
No Bl + Sty/Sty |
Bl/- |
Bl/-, Sty/- |
Bl/-, Sty/Sty |
Bl/Bl |
Bl/Bl, Sty/- |
Bl/Bl, Sty/Sty |
Of the nine images above, all of them except the very last one (Bl/Bl, Sty/Sty) showed any shade changes. In this case, Bl/Bl, Sty/Sty was the same as Bl/-, Sty/Sty. Spot Size only changed with the addition of Sooty, it did not change with Bl.
HET DP | HOM DP | Sooty + DP |
No Bl + DP/- |
No Bl + DP/DP |
No Bl + Sty/-, DP/DP |
Bl/-, DP/- |
Bl/-, DP/DP |
Bl/-, Sty/Sty, DP/DP |
Bl/Bl, DP/- |
Bl/Bl, DP/DP |
Bl/Bl, Sty/Sty, DP/DP |
This test saw less Shade variation, specially when the Darkening Genes were Homozygous. At some point the Pigment Density Regulator can only deepen the Base color so much. With Sty and DP were combined with Bl, there was no change in Shade or Varnish.
Pigment Density Regulator (Bl) on Other Colors
Bay + No Bl |
Bay + Bl/ and Bay + Bl/Bl |
Black + No Bl |
Black + Bl/ and Black + Bl/Bl |
Pigment Density Regulator altered Bay ever so slightly, but it can be mostly seen in the reduced Varnishing. The expression did not change between HET Bl and HOM Bl. Unlike with DP and Sty, Bl does not change Black Based horses. The Varnish expression stayed the same. Like with Chestnut, Pigment Density Regulator did not change Spot Size.
Final Observations
- Pigment Density Regulator deepens Red Pigment, and can change Chestnut and Bay horses.
- It has a stronger influence on Chestnut base.
- Even though it darkens the coat color, it does not change Spot Size.
- Expression of Appaloosa Varnish will be reduced with Pigment Density Regulator.