Palomino
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- This article is about the palomino horse coat color. For other uses, see the Palomino variety of grape or the initial core of AMD's Athlon XP processor.
Palomino is a coat color in horses, consisting of a gold coat and white or flaxen mane and tail. It is one creme gene working on a red base coat. For more information on the genetics of palomino coat coloring, see the creme gene. Genetically, a palomino is a chestnut horse with one cream gene. The coat color may be everything from a pale tan-- almost-white color, to a deep, dark, chocolate color ("chocolate palomino").
The Palomino is also a breed of horse. Unlike the Appaloosa, which is a distinct breed that is colored, the Palomino is a color breed only, meaning various breeds may be registered as palomino if they are golden colored. The coat color of the Palomino is golden, with a flaxen or white mane and tail. Officially, the color must be no more than three shades lighter or darker than a freshly minted penny. White markings are permitted on the legs, but must not extend beyond the knees or hocks. A small amount of white is also permitted on the face. The palomino is not a true breed, however, because palomino does not 'breed true'; A palomino crossed with a palomino may result in a palomino, a chestnut, or a cremello. Thus, palomino cannot be considered a real 'breed', but merely a 'breed registry'.
Because registration is based solely on coat color, horses from many breeds can qualify, though in some breeds the golden color does not occur. Some breeds that exhibit the color are the American Saddlebred, Tennessee Walking Horse, Morgan and Quarter Horse. The color is fairly rare in breeds such as the Thoroughbred, but does in fact occur. Some breeds, such as the Haflinger and Arabian may appear to be palomino, but are genetically chestnut as neither breed possess the creme dilution that creates this color.
Due to their unusual color, Palominos stand out in a show ring, and are much sought after as parade horses. For more information and photos, see [Palomino Horse Color].
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