A horse of a different step & color
Virtually unknown in other breeds, chocolate horses are highly in demand! Rocky Mountain Horses are not only known for their rare and beautiful color, a chocolate coat and (most often) a flaxen mane and tail, but for the amazing four-beat gait that sets them apart from other gaited horses.

Horse color genetics is a complicated subject, and it is impossible to deny that the complexities can make it difficult to understand. By breaking down the subject into smaller pieces it is possible to begin to understand how the interactions of different factors result in the vast array of color in horses.  A first step is to separate out white spots or hairs, and only concentrate on color.  Following an appreciation of how the colors arise it is possible to add the white, and thereby understand the final combinations.

Chocolate is basically a silver dapple gene. The silver dapple gene (ZZ ) is a dominant that acts to lighten black areas, and leaves red areas unchanged.  It is rare, but increasing in frequency in some breeds. It results in colors that are frequently confused with chestnut, but that lack the redness of chestnut. It lightens manes, tails, and lower legs to flaxen, or can leave them relatively unchanged.
 
base color silver dapple variant
black chocolate silver, blue silver, silver dapple
brown brown silver
bay red silver
buckskin yellow silver
zebra dun linebacked yellow silver
chestnut chestnut (no visible evidence)

The champagne gene (ChC ) is a dominant that is rare.  Lightens black areas to flat light chocolate, and red to light red or yellow. Skin to be pink or mottled, and eyes hazel.
 
base color champagne variant
black champagne
bay amber champagne (gold or yellow with brown points)
chestnut gold champagne (mimics palomino or light sorrel)
palomino ivory champagne (very light, with dark blue eyes)

Our herd is being carefully chosen to produce a variety of exceptional babies for our very discriminating neighbors. They are ethically bred and raised, ready for horse lovers from Malibu, Burbank and the Palisades to get to know this lovely little horse. We know you are going to fall in love with this animal for it's gait and hardiness on the trail as much as for it's beauty and kind personality. This truly is a horse of a different step and color!

Please feel free to contact us with any questions by email! We love to tell people about this wonderful horse that will bring joy to any future owner!

Write to Orange Blossom Farms today! We love hearing from our horse friends!


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