Blue Roan Paint Horse: How Rare Are They?

Horses are known for their variety of colors, and among the most striking is the blue roan, a rare and eye-catching coat. Combine that with the vibrant markings of the American Paint Horse, and you have a truly distinct animal.

We have owned a lot of horses over the years on our farm in Scotland, and while a horse’s color may be what catches your eye, there’s much more to consider when it comes to choosing and caring for one. Today, let’s take a look at the the Blue Roan Paint horse, exploring what makes them special, their genetics, and some practical insights into care.

What Is a Blue Roan Paint Horse?

To start with, a blue roan refers to a specific coat color where black hairs are mixed evenly with white, giving a bluish tinge. It’s not actually blue, but the black and white combination creates a slate or smoky color that, depending on the light, can appear somewhat blue.

When you add the distinctive overo or tobiano pattern typical of the Paint Horse, you get a blue roan paint. A striking and unique coat combination that stands out from the crowd.

The Paint Horse itself is a breed known for its large patches of white and another base color, whether black, bay, chestnut, or in this case, roan. The term ‘blue roan’ doesn’t refer to a separate breed but rather a coat pattern that can occur in several breeds, including the American Paint Horse.

Genetics Behind the Blue Roan Coat

The blue roan coat results from a specific gene known as the roan gene. This gene dilutes the color of the horse’s coat by scattering white hairs throughout the base coat color—black, in the case of blue roans. A horse must carry at least one copy of the roan gene to exhibit this coloring.

The gene responsible for this coat pattern is dominant, meaning that if a horse inherits it from either parent, the roan coloring will be visible.

In the case of blue roan Paint Horses, the roan gene combines with the tobiano or overo genes, which create the large white patches common to the Paint breed. While genetics can seem a bit complicated, the result is fairly straightforward: a horse with a mix of black and white, both in its overall coat and in its paint pattern.

One thing to remember is that roan coats can sometimes change a bit as the horse ages, with the mix of white and dark hairs becoming more pronounced. Some horses may even appear darker or lighter depending on the season.

True Blue Roan vs Horses with Some Blue Roan in Their Coats

Not all horses that appear to have blue roan markings are true blue roans. This distinction is key for those interested in horse genetics or breeders focused on specific coat colors.

True blue roan horses have an even distribution of black and white hairs across most of their bodies. The mix of white hairs is spread consistently throughout, giving the horse a slate-grey or bluish appearance.

However, true blue roans retain solid-colored points like the head, mane, tail, and lower legs, which remain unaffected by the roan gene. This stark contrast between the roan body and the solid points defines the classic blue roan look.

You will also see the classic “up-turned V” on their legs, typical of the True Blue Roan horse.

Upturned V on the legs – typical of a true roan horse (photo from Wikimedia)

In contrast, horses with some blue roan in their coats may have patches of roan coloring but don’t display the evenness that characterizes a true blue roan. For instance, some Paint Horses may have roan patches blended into their larger white and black markings.

However, since this roaning is localized and not spread across the body, they aren’t classified as true blue roans. To learn more about the genetic basis of blue roan horses, check out this guide on blue roan horses.

Another comparison can be made with grey horses. As grey horses age, their coats lighten, sometimes mimicking a roan-like pattern, but this is due to the grey gene rather than the roan gene. Grey horses gradually lose color, whereas true roans maintain their distinct mix of black and white hairs throughout their lives.

Understanding these differences is important, especially for breeders who wish to pass on roan coloring. The roan gene is dominant, so a true blue roan will pass the gene to about 50% of its offspring, provided only one parent carries the gene. This makes true blue roans valuable in breeding, while horses with patchy roan tendencies may not guarantee this trait in their foals.

Identifying whether a horse is a true blue roan or just has some roaning tendencies adds a layer of complexity. However, it’s also part of the charm of knowing the heritage and character of the horses.

Common Characteristics of Paint Horses

The American Paint Horse is known for more than its colorful coat. Paints are typically well-muscled, stocky, and agile, with a calm and friendly demeanor. They are highly versatile and are often used for everything from trail riding to Western disciplines like reining and cutting.

Their distinct coat patterns, especially in blue roans, are a visual treat. It’s not every day you see a horse that looks like a living painting, and that’s part of their charm. However, their personality is where they really shine—these horses are known to be willing, smart, and dependable.

You can find more about horse color patterns and genetics here in our discussion on horse colours.

Care for a Blue Roan Paint Horse

Taking care of any horse involves good management practices, and blue roan Paint Horses are no different. Their unique coat, however, does mean a few extra considerations. For example, because they may have significant white markings, particularly on their faces, they can be more prone to sunburn. It’s always a good idea to make sure they have access to shade during the hotter months, or you may want to consider applying a horse-safe sunblock.

In terms of grooming, regular brushing is key to keeping their coat in top condition. Roan horses, with their mixture of dark and white hairs, can sometimes look a bit dusty or dirty if not groomed frequently. A good quality horse brush will help keep the coat smooth and remove any dirt or loose hairs. Pay particular attention to the white areas, as they tend to show stains more easily.

It’s also important to monitor their diet and hoof care, just like with any other horse. While their coat color doesn’t influence these aspects directly, a well-balanced diet with appropriate vitamins and minerals ensures the horse stays in top shape, both physically and mentally. You can read more about horse care and feeding over on our guide https://www.strathornfarm.co.uk/nutrition/ultimate-guide-to-horse-feed/

History of the Paint Horse

Paint Horses have a storied history that dates back to the early days of North America. Originally descended from the horses brought over by Spanish explorers, the Paint Horse breed developed as a hardy, versatile animal. Native Americans prized them for their stamina, intelligence, and distinctive patterns. Their coat color often had spiritual significance, and horses with bold markings were considered lucky or blessed.

The Paint Horse Association was formed in the 1960s in the U.S., preserving the breed’s unique coat patterns while maintaining the horse’s performance capabilities. Today, Paint Horses are beloved worldwide, not only for their beautiful looks but also for their versatility and excellent temperament.

For more on breeds and types of horses, check out this article on beautiful horse breeds.

FAQ

1. What makes a horse a blue roan?
A blue roan is a horse with a black base coat and a scattering of white hairs, which gives it a bluish tinge. The blue roan effect is due to the dominant roan gene.

2. Can Paint Horses be blue roan?
Yes, Paint Horses can exhibit the blue roan coat color. This occurs when a Paint Horse has both the roan gene and a black base coat, mixed with their distinctive tobiano or overo patterns.

3. Are blue roan Paint Horses rare?
Yes, Blue roan Paint Horses are less common due to the specific genetic combination required.

4. Does coat color affect a horse’s temperament?
No, a horse’s coat color does not affect its temperament. A Paint Horse’s demeanor is shaped by its breed characteristics and individual personality.

5. How do you care for a Paint Horse with a lot of white markings?
Horses with white markings may be more prone to sunburn, particularly on their faces. It’s important to provide shade, use sunblock, and keep their coat well-groomed.

Conclusion

The blue roan Paint Horse is a fascinating and striking blend of genetics and history. While their appearance is certainly a show-stopper, it’s their versatility, temperament, and endurance that make them truly special. Whether you’re looking for a horse that’s a bit different in appearance or one with the solid dependability of the Paint breed, the blue roan Paint Horse is a great choice.