Black

Black horses have black coats and black points. It is the second most recessive color. Unlike other colors, black isn't a "shade", but a type. Horses that are considered black can be a fading black, non-fading black, or a smoky black (not a true black, it is a diluted black).

Non-Fading Black is also called raven or jet black. It is a black horse that does not fade from weather or the sun, and does not become "sunburned". The picture shown above is a picture of a non-fading black horse. Foals that are a non-fading black may be born a smoky or blue-black shade. They will rarely be born black. These horses only very rarely will fade in extreme conditions.

Unlike the non-fading black, the fading black is a horse that does fade from the weather and sun. It's possible for their color to fade with poor nutrition. To bring out their best color, keep fading black horses out of the sun or blanketed so that their hairs are not bleached. Even though these horses may look dark brown at certain times, they are still black! These colors of horses are usually born a smoky ashen color, as well as a dark bay or brown.

A horse with a black body and brown soft parts is considered a Seal Brown. Seal Brown horses are black horses with the At gene (removes black from soft parts).

Smoky black is also mistaken for black. In fact, a smoky black (one cream dilute gene) may be so dark it looks no different than a true black.

Being the color Black attracts the sun and absorbs heat, Black horses do best in cold climates. Black horses are not a good choice for hard work in hot weather as their skin also becomes hot and is more sensitive than other dark-skinned horses.