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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

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

  1. In Game Vocabulary
  2. The Appaloosa Spotting Genes
  3. Hidden Interactions in Appaloosa Spotting
  4. 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:

  1. Other Appaloosa Spotting Genes
  2. Pigment Density
  3. Age

HET_lp_patn1_HOMVRN.jpg

Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, Vrn/Vrn

HET_lp_patn1_lpp1_HOMVRN.jpg

Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn

(the addition of the LPP1 Allele increased Blanket size)

NoVarnish_MultiDilute_14yo_NoDilutions.jpg

Liver Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-

NoVarnish_MultiDilute_14yo_DMUCR.jpg

Liver Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, Cr/-, D/-, mu/-

(the addition of Dilution genes reduces Pigment and increased Varnishing from LP)

HET_lp_patn1_vrn_lpp2_dp_HOMsty_young.jpg

HET_lp_patn1_vrn_lpp2_dp_HOMsty_23yo.jpg

The same horse on the left, but at age 23
The Appaloosa Spotting Genes

Appaloosa_LP.jpg

Black LP/-, Vrn/-

HET_lp_patn1_HOMVrn_young.jpg

Bay Dun LP/-, PATN1/-, Vrn/Vrn

Appaloosa (LP)
Heterozygous LP allows Appaloosa Characteristics to be visible on the horse. While Homozygous LP does not increase the expression of Appaloosa Characteristics, but may increase the expression of additional Appaloosa Spotting Genes.

Appaloosa Blanket Size (PATN1)
This is the primary gene for controlling a horses Blanket size. PATN1 is an Incomplete Dominant gene and can be influenced by additional genes. Must have at least one copy of LP to be shown.

Snowflake.jpg

Bay LP/-, snow/snow

Halo01.jpg

Brown Dun LP/-, PATN/-, LPP1/-, ASR1/-, H/H

Snowflake Varnish (snow)
This gene alters normal Varnishing into white speckles, which grow in size and quantity over the horses lifetime. Snowflake Varnish is Recessive, and requires two copies (i.g., Homozygous) to be expressed. Must have at least one copy of LP to be shown, and may be affected by other genes. This gene will not affect Spots on the horses coats. 

Varnish Regulator 2 (H)
Also known as Halo Spots or Peacock Spots, this gene causes a Varnished ring around Spots. The act of Haloing can make the Spot appear smaller. This gene is Incomplete Dominant, and its expression will strengthen over a horses life time. Must have one copy of LP to be shown, and can be influenced by other genes. Two copies of LP will remove Spots. 

HET_lp_patn1_HOMSty_ASR1.jpg

Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1, ASR1/ASR1

HET_lp_lpp1_lpp2_vrn.jpg

Bay LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/-

Appaloosa Spot Regulator (ASR1)
This Incomplete Dominate Gene modifies Spot Size, and can be influenced by other genes. Must have one copy of LP to be shown. Two copies of LP will remove Spots.

Varnish Promoter (Vrn) 
The presence of this gene will increase Appaloosa Varnishing. This gene is Incomplete Dominant, and its expression will strengthen over a horses life time. It can also be influenced by other genes. Must have at least one copy of LP to be shown. This gene will not affect Spots on the horses coats. 

HET_lp_patn1_HOMLPP102.jpg

Homozygous LPP1

Bay Dun LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-

HET_lp_patn1_HETlpp2_vrn.jpg

Heterozygous LPP2

Bay Dun LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/-, Vrn/-

LP Promoter
This Incomplete Dominate Gene modifies Blanket and Spot Size. The two Alleles in this gene, LPP1 and LPP2 can work together or independently of PATN1 to produce a wide range of Blanket sizes. 

LPP1 - Extends the PATN1 Blanket, but Spot size remains the same. 


LPP2 - Blanket size typically spreads further with LPP2, and Spot size decreases. 


View this Study for more examples with PATN1. 

Hidden Interactions in Appaloosa Spotting

Hidden Interactions in Appaloosa Spotting

Unknown Hidden Appaloosa Blanket Size Gene
When searching for horses, under Appaloosa Blanket Size you can select "must not have" for both options (- and PATN1). If no Pattern Genes are present, horses should technically be solid or near solid looking. 

Search.png

According to players on the Bluegrass Forum, this hidden gene is called PATN2, but I have seen mixed reports on what it looks like.

Need clarification from Ammit about what is or isn't going on

When Using Gene Modification Treatment (GMT)
By viewing your horse in the Gene Modification Treatment Lab, you will most likely see the majority of their genes. However there are some genes that are hidden and unknown to us. One way to verify that our horses have something extra is by checking to see if we can alter the Gene. Below are the messages you may receive when checking to see if you can alter the PATN1 gene. 

GMT_PATN1.png

In this example the horse is PATN1/-. First we check to see if we can alter the PATN1 Allele, and are given the option to change it to the - Allele. This means the only two options for Alleles here is PATN1 or nothing. 
GMT_noPATN.png

By checking the - Allele, we see we have the option to change it to PATN1. This means we could potentially make our horse one of the following combinations:

  1. PANT1/-
  2. PATN1/PATN1
  3. -/-
GMT_PATN2.png
However, sometimes the - Allele is actually a Hidden Gene, and we can't directly test for it. But by checking in the GMT lab we can see if something is there when this message pops up. So here I have a horse with the - Allele, but it's not the same - Allele as before. It's a secret shhhh. 

Appaloosa Bronzing
Appaloosa Bronzing is considered an Appaloosa Characteristic, but has no known genetic control. Instead it is influenced by Pigment Density. Bronzing lightens the mane and tail, the lighter the horse, the greater the Bronzing. There are other genes that may mimic Bronzing, such as Cream, Dun, and Roan. 

Bronz_lp_patn1_lpp2_noVrn.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/- (No Darkening Genes or Varnish Promoter)

Dense Pigment

(e.g., Black & Brown)


Less Dense Pigment

(e.g., Bay & Chestnut)
No Bronzing ----------> More Bronzing
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

  1. In Game Vocabulary
  2. 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. 

HET_lp.jpg

Bay LP/-

HOM_LP_hetlpp2.jpg

Chestnut LP/LP, LPP2/-

HET_lp_patn1_lpp1_HOM_asr1.jpg

Brown LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, ASR1/ASR1

HOM_LP_het_patn1_lpp1.jpg

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

HET_lp_HET_partn1.jpg

E/E, a/a, LP/-, PATN1/-

HET_lp_HOM_partn1.jpg

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

HOM_lp_HET_partn1.jpg

E/E, A/a, LP/LP, PATN1/-

HOM_lp_HOM_partn1.jpg

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

HET_lp_HOM_snow.jpg

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

HETpatn1_vrn_lpp1_HOMsty_h.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/-1, LPP1/-, Vrn/-, Sty/Sty, H/-

HETpatn1_vrn_lpp1_HOMsty_hh.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/-1, LPP1/-, Vrn/-, Sty/Sty, H/H
 Homozygous  (LP/LP) + Varnish Regulator 2 (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.

16744716.jpg

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

SmokyBlack_Varnish01.jpg

E/E, a/a, Cr/-, Sty/Sty, DP/-, LP/-, Vrn/-

 

SmokyBlack_Varnish02.jpg E/E, a/a, Cr/-, Sty/Sty, DP/-, LP/-, Vrn/Vrn

 

Brown_HET Vrn.jpg

E/e, A/a, Sty/Sty, DP/DP, LP/-, Vrn/- , age 19

Brown_HOM Vrn.jpg

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

 

HETappy_HETlpp1.jpg

E/e, A/a, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-

 

HETappy_HOMlpp1.jpg

E/e, A/a, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1

 

HETappy_HETlpp1_HOMPatn1.jpg

E/e, A/a, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-

 

HETappy_HOMlpp1_HOMPatn1.jpg

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

HOMlp_HETpatn1_HETlpp1.jpg

 

E/e, a/a, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/-

HOMlp_HETpatn1_HOMlpp1.jpg

 

E/e, a/a, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP1

HOMlp_HOMpatn1_HETlpp1.jpg

 

E/e, a/a, LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-

HOMlp_HOMpatn1_HOMlpp1.jpg

 

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

 

HETlp_HETpatn1_HETlpp2.jpg

E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/-

 

HETlp_HETpatn1_HOMlpp2.jpg

E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/LPP2

 

HETlp_HOMpatn1_HETlpp2.jpg

E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/-

 

HETlp_HOMpatn1_HOMlpp2.jpg

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

HOMlp_HETpatn1_HETlpp2.jpg

E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP2/-

 

HOMlp_HETpatn1_HOMlpp2.jpg

E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/LP, PATN1/-, LPP2/LPP2

 

HOMlp_HOMpatn1_HETlpp2.jpg

E/e, A/a, Sty/-, P/P, LP/LP, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/-

HOMlp_HOMpatn1_HOMlpp2.jpg

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

LP_LPP1_LPP2.jpg

e/e, A/A, Sty/Sty, LP/-, LPP1/LPP2

 

LP_PATN1_LPP1_LPP2.jpg

e/e, A/A, Sty/Sty, LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP2

 

LPhom_LPP1_LPP2.jpg

e/e, A/A, Sty/Sty, LP/LP, LPP1/LPP2

LPhom_PATN1_LPP1_LPP2.jpg

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

HET_patn1_HET_asr1.jpg

E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/-

 

HET_patn1_HOM_asr1.jpg

E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1

 

HOM_patn1_HET_asr1.jpg

E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, ASR1/-

HOM_patn1_HOM_asr1.jpg

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

HOMSnow_noVrn.jpg

Chestnut LP/-, snow/snow, -/-

HOMSnow_HETVrn.jpg

Chestnut LP/-, snow/snow, Vrn/-

HOMSnow_HOMVrn.jpg

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

  1. In Game Vocabulary
  2. How Do Appaloosa Genes Interact with Non-Appaloosa Genes
  3. 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

HET_lp_patn1_HOMsty_HOMDP-01.jpg

Black LP/-. PATN1/-, Sty/Sty, DP/DP

HET_lp_patn1-HOMSTY-02.jpg

Bay LP/-. PATN1/-, Sty/Sty

HET_lp_patn1-03.jpg

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.


 02.png 01.png 03.png

Black.png Bay.png Chestnut.png
04.png Black_HETsty.png Bay_HETsty.png Chestnut_HETsty.png
07.png Black_HOMdp.png Bay_HOMdp.png Chestnut_HOMdp.png
05.png Black_HOMsty.png Bay_HOMsty.png Chestnut_HOMsty.png
06.png Black_HETsty_HOMdp.png Bay_HETsty_HOMdp.png  Chestnut_HETsty_HOMdp.png
08.png Black_HOMsty_HOMdp.png Bay_HOMsty_HOMdp.png Chestnut_HOMsty_HOMdp.png

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

Black_SootyPlus.jpg Bay_SootyPlus.jpg Chestnut_SootyPlus.jpg

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:

  1. Reduces the amount of White from Pinto Related Genes
  2. Adds freckling to White Pinto Related Patterns
  3. 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.


ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn.jpg

Chestnut + No Bl


ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_bl.jpg

Chestnut + Bl/-


ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_bl.jpg

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. 

blackstud_withVarnish.jpg

Stallion showing less Varnishing

blackmare_WithVarnish.jpg

Mare showing more Varnishing

NoVarnish_MultiDilute_14yo_BrownStud.png

Stallion showing less Varnishing at 14 yo

NoVarnish_MultiDilute_14yo_Brown.png

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

  1. In Game Vocabulary
  2. 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. 

Bay_HOMPatn1_lpp1_lpp2_VRN.jpg
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

Bay_HOMPatn1_lpp1_lpp2_VRN.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/Vrn

Bay_HOMPatn1_lpp2_VRN.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/-, Vrn/Vrn

  

Bay_HOMPatn1_lpp1_VRN.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn

Bay_HOMPatn1_VRN.jpg

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

Bay_HETPatn1_lpp1_lpp2_VRN.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/Vrn

Bay_HETPatn1_lpp2_VRN.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP2/-, Vrn/Vrn

Bay_HETPatn1_lpp1_VRN.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn

Bay_HETPatn1_VRN.jpg

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

Bay_HOMPatn1_lpp1_lpp2_VRN_STY.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/LPP2, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty

Bay_HOMPatn1_VRN_STY.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty

  

Bay_HOMPatn1_lpp2_VRN_STY_DP.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP2/-, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty, DP/DP

Bay_HOMPatn1_lpp1_VRN_STY_DP.jpg

LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-, Vrn/Vrn, Sty/Sty, DP/DP

Final Observations

  1. If LPP2 is present, Spot Size remains smaller regardless of LPP1 or not.
  2. Each time LPP2 was present with Homozygous PATN1, the result was a true Leopard Phenotype (i.g., visual appearance). 
  3. LPP2 Spreads Blanket Markings further than LPP1, in the presence of PATN1. 
  4. 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. 

Black_lpp1_lpp2.jpg
Study #1: 8yo Black Appaloosa Mare
E/e, a/a, LP/-, LPP1/LPP2

Adding Varnish Regulator 2 (H/H)

Black_lpp1_lpp2.jpg

Non-Halo

Black_lpp1_lpp2_HH.jpg

Black LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, H/H

  

Bay_lpp1_lpp2_HH.jpg

Bay LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, H/H

Chestnut_lpp1_lpp2_HH.jpg

Chestnut LP/-, LPP1/LPP2, H/H

Chestnut Blanket is slightly larger than on Bay and Black

Removing LP Promoters & Adding PATN1

Black_lpp1_HH.jpg

Black LP/-, LPP1/-, H/H

Black_lpp2_HH.jpg

Black LP/-, LPP2/-, H/H

Black_lpp1_HH_hetPATN1.jpg

Black LP/-, PATN1/-, LPP1/-, H/H

Black_lpp2_HH_hetPATN1.jpg

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_lpp1_HH_HOMPATN1_HOMsty.jpg

Chestnut LP/-, PATN1/PATN1, LPP1/-, H/H, Sty/Sty

Bay_lpp1_HH_HOMPATN1_HOMsty_HOMDP.jpg

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

  1. Because Halo gives the impression of shrinking your Spots, it is best seen on horses with larger spots. 
  2. 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. 
  3. With LPP1 & LPP2 you may be able to see Halo without PATN1. But either LPP1 or LPP2 by itself will not produce Halo marks. 
  4. 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. 

HOM_asr1.jpg
Study #3: 1yo Bay Appaloosa
E/e, A/A, LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1

Removing ASR1 Genes

HET_asr1.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/-

No_asr1.jpg

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

HOM_asr1_HET_sty.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, Sty/-

HOM_asr1_HOM_sty.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, Sty/Sty

  

HET_asr1_HOM_sty.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/-, Sty/Sty

No_asr1_HOM_sty.jpg

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)

HOM_asr1_HET_dp.jpg


Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, DP/-

HOM_asr1_HOM_dp.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, DP/DP

  

HOM_asr1_HOM_dp_HET_sty.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1, DP/DP, Sty/-

HOM_asr1_HOM_dp_HOM_sty.jpg

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)

HOM_asr1.jpg

Bay LP/-, PATN1/-, ASR1/ASR1

HOM_asr1_cream.jpg

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

  1. 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. 

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn.jpg

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

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn.jpg

No Bl

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_sty.jpg

No Bl + Sty/-

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_sty.jpg

No Bl + Sty/Sty

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_bl.jpg

Bl/-

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_sty_HET_bl.jpg

Bl/-, Sty/-

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_sty_HET_bl.jpg

Bl/-, Sty/Sty

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_bl.jpg

Bl/Bl

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_sty_HOM_bl.jpg

Bl/Bl, Sty/-

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_sty_HOM_bl.jpg

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

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_dp.jpg

No Bl + DP/-

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_dp.jpg

No Bl + DP/DP

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_PATN1_vrn_sty_HOM_dp.jpg

No Bl + Sty/-, DP/DP

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_dp_HET_bl.jpg

Bl/-, DP/-

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_dp_HET_bl.jpg

Bl/-, DP/DP

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_PATN1_vrn_HOM_sty_HOM_dp.jpg

Bl/-, Sty/Sty, DP/DP

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_dp_HOM_bl.jpg

Bl/Bl, DP/-

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_dp_HOM_bl.jpg

Bl/Bl, DP/DP

ChestnutDraft_HET_lp_PATN1_vrn_HOM_sty_HOM_dp_HOM_bl.jpg

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

BayDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn.jpg

Bay + No Bl

BayDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HET_bl.jpg

Bay + Bl/ and Bay + Bl/Bl

BlackDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn.jpg

Black + No Bl

BlackDraft_HET_lp_HET_PATN1_HET_vrn_HOM_bl.jpg

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

  1. Pigment Density Regulator deepens Red Pigment, and can change Chestnut and Bay horses.
  2. It has a stronger influence on Chestnut base. 
  3. Even though it darkens the coat color, it does not change Spot Size. 
  4. Expression of Appaloosa Varnish will be reduced with Pigment Density Regulator.