Color is among some of the earliest traits we selected in newly domesticated species (1). Today, color can be critical for registration and therefore, the value of our horses. For example, in breeds like the Friesian (which requires true black) and the exotic Mangalarga Marchador (which does not allow cremellos or perlinos) color is more than an aesthetic preference, it is a breed requirement. Indeed, on average, presence of a spotting pattern doubles the value of an APHA foal. For example, in 2006, the average price of an American Paint Horse Association (APHA) registered yearling without a spotting pattern was $1540, while a yearling APHA registered horse with the tobiano pattern averaged $2803 (2).
