Customer Reviews

Horse Color

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a reprint of an old book. It contains outdated information and some incorrect information. The names used for color identification are combinations of England terms, Spanish and old west, they don't fit any one region nor are they accurate. If you truly want a treasure-trove of information, that demystifies the interrelationships of color, identifies different colors, explains the occurrence of rare colors, and discusses the responsibilities of breeders. One that features explanatory diagrams, a detailed summary of information in the appendix, and nearly 200 full-color photographs that accurately depict the different breeds and coat colors, a resource breeders will find themselves referring to again and again. Pick up Horse Color Explained by Jeanette Gower, you will be glad you did.

It's important for all to note that this is a *reprint* of an older book. It contains some outdated information, including some that was corrected in Sponenberg's later book. Although this one is less expensive, I suggest buying Equine Color Genetics instead.

As manager of a breeding and training facility, I first read this book some years ago, and surprisingly, found myself disappointed with it. Just recently I reread this book, believing that perhaps it has more to offer than I had previously given it credit for. Sadly, I still cannot give it positive ratings.

Sponenberg is accurate on much of the genetics portion of this book. On color identification, however, he stands far below his fellow veterinarian/authors. The names he makes up for the various equine colors are ridiculous. Fellow breeders who read this most likely find it amuzing, if not insulting. To the unknowing, however, learning this information incorrectly can be detrimental to the attainment of this knowledge. Backyard breeders need to contact their breed society before employing the use of terms like these on their horses' registration papers. These are not toy poodles we're dealing with. "Cutesy" made-up names for common horse colors are not the mark of the professional breeder/registrar.

There are better books on this subject. Try "The Color of Horses: The Scientific and Authoritive Identification of the Color of the Horse" by Dr. Ben K. Green. It is well explained, easy to comprehend, direct, and professional. Though "The Color of Horses" was out-of-print for awhile, the high demand for this book has brought it back into publication.

and I have to admit that I rather like it. It is very different from the second book, 'Equine Color Genetics', which makes me wonder why this second edition of the first book should have been published after the first edition of the second book. Confused? So am I!

I would say that this is one of the most definitive books on horse color. The author is a well known expert on horse color genetics. I gave it a 9 only because it is surpassed by his newest book on the same subject. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in horse colors. It lists not only the common colors in all their shades, but rare and unusual colors, too. The information included in this book is thorough and easy to understand. I have really gotten a lot of use from this awesome title.

I would say that this is one of the most definitive books on horse color. The author is a well known expert on horse color genetics. I gave it a 9 only because it is surpassed by his newest book on the same subject. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in horse colors. It lists not only the common colors in all their shades, but rare and unusual colors, too. The information included in this book is thorough and easy to understand. I have really gotten a lot of use from this awesome title.

This is a really good book for learning about equine coat colors. This book has many color photographs, and it also describes the genetics involved in determining coat colors. I recommend this book for 4-H group instruction on basic coat colors, to breeders, and to anyone interested in genetics.