HGG Community Forums

So I was scrolling through some pictures to draw since I love drawing equines (zebras, mules, and donkeys included with horses!) and never in my life have I heard of horses with GREEN eyes. I've heard of blue, amber, brown, black and even red but never green and I did a little bit of research and here's what I found! (If any of this is inaccurate please correct me as I'm no gene expert!)

-Blue eyes are caused by reduction of pigment (melanin) and amber/hazel eyes are caused by dilution.
-"Yellow eyes are sometimes found in Paso Fino horses without any accompanying coat color dilution. These yellow eyes are often referred to as “Tiger” or “Goat” eyes. Pedigree research had led to the belief that a recessive mutation was responsible. Further genetic research by Elizabeth J. A. Kowalski has led to the discovery that ECA1 is the probable locus responsible. Research for the causative mutation is ongoing. It is possible that this gene mutation could be responsible for yellow eyes in other horses of Spanish descent." (I found this information on colorgenetics.info)

And now what I've been waiting to talk about, Green eyes!

-"Green eyes are the rarest eye color in horses. They are most commonly found in pearl or cream and pearl horses but even then are uncommon. Horses that are homozygous for cream (Cremello, Perlino, and Smoky Cream) or are Cream and Champagne are occasionally seen with Green or Greenish-blue eyes. In homozygous cream horses, they are sometimes seen along with slightly darker than average skin pigmentation."

From what I can see in pictures the green eyes aren't super green, more of a musky green



(This one is more green-blue but definitely I see green)





As everyone can see, I get very excited easily over small things but I just wanted to share what I've just discovered!