The coloration of horses can be quite varied. To date, there are a couple of dozen different suits and tricks, each of which suggests its own characteristic features. And one of the most common and interesting among them is the karak suit of a horse, which combines features of both bay and black colors.
Karak horse
The origin of the suit and features of inheritance
Despite the high popularity of the caraca suit, scientists have not received reliable data on its origin. But several different theories are put forward on this score, the supporters of which provide a number of facts in support of their point of view.
The main versions of the origin of this color include the following:
- The first of the theories was put forward by the famous hippologist Castle. He claims that the Agouti gene, which also appears in mice, is responsible for such a peculiar color in the animal. Such a gene in a dominant position contributes to the appearance of a red color. In its pure form, it is characteristic of wild bay horses. But it can also be present in three more genotypes of horses: in the usual raven, wild raven and ordinary bay. The scientist claims that the carac coloring is the result of a certain combination of the four indicated suits.
- In addition to the first assumption, another one stands out. According to him, the Agouti gene provides this color in combination with the Extension gene, which promotes the release of a special protein into the blood that distributes the pigmentation of the coat in this way. Under its action, all hair on the body, mane and tail are painted black and secondary red.
- Proponents of the third theory argue that a separate karak suit does not exist at all. In accordance with their beliefs, she is a crow’s mastery, which is called “crow with a tan.” Thus, the wool of a lighter shade in horses of a carac color is the result of its burning out in the sun in the summer. In winter, it becomes pure black again.
The question of the relationship of such coloring to one of the main suits is also controversial. Some experts consider it one of the dark varieties of the bay suit. At the same time, opponents of such a theory call the karakov coloring intermediate between the crow and bay coloring.
Features of the inheritance of the suit
The unique karak color appears with a certain type of gene inheritance by a foal. This type involves a combination of genes At/At, At/a, which is considered mutant. As a result of this combination, the Agouti gene acts as a dominant one and replaces black pigmentation with red pigmentation in certain parts of the horse’s body. Three other possible combinations of genes provide living creatures with either a black or any other (except carac) color.
It is also worth noting that special diluent genes have a certain effect on the final coloring of horses of caraque suit. Each of them has its own effect on color:
- Champagne gene. Under its dominant action, the karak suit turns into a sable color.
- DUN gene. If the genotype includes such a component, then the animal will have a wild, fly-colored color.
- Gene Roan. He is responsible for the roan of the coat. Under its action, gray hairs appear in red spots, as well as in some areas of black wool.
horse genes
But it should be noted that all these processes of inheritance and origin of this color are only theories. The current level of knowledge and technology does not yet allow for an accurate identification of the nature of such a suit.
Color description
The word “karakovy” in the name of the suit came from the Turkic language. It includes two concepts at once:
- “kara” is translated as black;
- kula means brown.
As a result, the full name of the color suggests the phrase “black-brown”.
The main color of a horse with this color is either dark brown or charcoal (almost black). But the peculiarity of this suit is not in the main color, but in the presence of an additional color that is present on the body of the animal in the form of special spots – tan marks.
The main features of this color of the animal include:
- The presence of light tan marks, which contrast brightly against the background of the prevailing dark color. They can be located around the mouth, nose, eyes, as well as in the groin, buttocks and elbows of the horse.
- In the standard, either yellow or brown spots appear. Moreover, if the first option is allowed in other suits, then the second is inherent exclusively in Karakova.
- The main black color with a brown tint of the animal spreads unevenly throughout the body. On different parts of the body, its shade may vary slightly.
- The mane and tail of the horse suggest an exceptionally dark color without blotches, tan marks or other marks. The same applies to the legs of the horse.
- In tan areas, as well as in some areas of the main color, white hairs may appear, protruding in the form of gray hair. Such hairs are allowed by the suit standard.
It is worth noting that with proper care and the implementation of balanced feeding, densely scattered apples can appear on the body of a horse. They are rounded lighter spots with a diameter of no more than 5 cm. Also, the result of the organization of proper care is the appearance of a white stripe on the forehead of the animal.
Important! Another feature of this coloring is that the horse does not fade in the summer. In addition, the color does not change over time. This coloring, unlike the others, also does not imply other tints or shades.
The uniqueness of the suit
In many ways, caracal coloring is considered unique. Despite the similarity with bay and crow, many researchers in their works distinguish it as a separate suit.
Many inexperienced breeders often confuse tan horses with undercoats found in other colors. This opinion is fundamentally wrong. Underlegs are extensive light spots or stripes in the lower part of the belly of the animal. Burn marks are small brightened areas in the groin, on the head and buttocks of the horse. Each of the concepts is a characteristic feature of a separate suit.
Also among the unique features of the carac coloring is its stability and the absence of changes over time. Foals that were karak at birth remain so until death.
Kabardian horses
Of the whole variety of horse breeds, several stand out, in which the karak suit appears especially often. These include:
- Kabardian horses;
- Anglo-Trakehner horses;
- Karachai horses.
Foals with this color are born among other breed lines. But there is no separate variety of horses, which is characterized exclusively by the karak suit.
The relationship of the suit with the character of the horse
Since ancient times, the peoples traditionally engaged in breeding horses have firmly entrenched the opinion that the suit of a horse is directly related to its character and physical abilities. Many eminent modern breeders agree with this theory.
So, it is believed that all karak horses are distinguished by a stronger and more graceful constitution than animals with a light color. This type of physique provides them with great endurance and speed. In this regard, dark horses are more popular with horse breeders who prepare horses for long-distance races.
As for the nature of the animal, calmness, obedience and lack of aggressiveness prevail in it. In addition, these horses are quick to learn and easy to train. Karak horses faithfully follow one owner, but at the same time they are friendly and peaceful towards other people.
Conclusion
In old fairy tales and stories, horses of a caracal suit, like a crow, were often companions of the main characters and mystical abilities were attributed to them. This gives such animals a certain charm. In reality, they are calm and meek animals with a unique appearance that undoubtedly attracts attention. Such coloring can be traced in many breeds of horses, but to date, the origin and process of inheritance of such coloring has not been fully studied.
