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BreezyCreek · Jan 9, 2021 9:01 AM

Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought darkening genes made Appy spots larger? This one is hom sty, het DP but they are quite small. What info am I missing?

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HTRanch · Jan 9, 2021 12:23 PM

It's pigment density, not darkening genes, that affect spot size if that makes sense. So if your horse was brown or black instead of bay they might have larger spots. However, I've heard mega spot breeders say that they select their stock based on phenotype as well as on base color to get more consistent mega spots.

OndowaStables · Jan 9, 2021 6:45 PM

I am fairly sure that Ammit has said that there are also several hidden factors that effect spot size. Without the DP and sooty, that foal might have micro spots.

BreezyCreek · Jan 10, 2021 5:44 PM

Thanks for the explanations! I breed for sooty/DP bays and browns, and it’s been awhile since I’ve had spots that small. I figured there was some hidden secret to it :)

Ren · Jan 13, 2021 2:35 PM

I agree, I think there are certainly some hidden factors involved. I have plenty of examples of large/mega spot bay appaloosas. ;) If a horse consistently throws small spots at my barns they usually get cut from my breeding lines...I'm one of those 'breeds for phenotype' as well as genotype breeders. Haha

FeldingFields · Feb 9, 2021 1:21 PM

There are definitely multiple factors involved. I breed for big spots over on HJ1, and I have some liver & cream horses with bigger spots than flat out livers. When I started culling my mares and stallions with smaller spots than their similarly papered siblings, my spot size grew rapidly.

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