Albino Horse

Albino horses are magnificent animals. These equines began their evolution in Europe. From there they were brought by settlers to the United States throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, where they expanded throughout the territory. However, they were not recognized as a breed until 1937. Its ability to perform different skills and disciplines makes it a globally admired and recognized horse.

In reality, real albino horses do not exist because the condition of genetic albinism in horses has never been documented. However, the genetic combinations that result in the “dominant white” are what are recognized as albino horses.

What are commonly referred to as “albino horses” are actually white horses with special characteristics.

OLD KING – The Founder of Albino Horses

The most famous “albino” horse in history is Old King.  Old King was born in 1908 and was a stallion of Arabian blood, milky white with pink skin and dark brown eyes. His dream was Professor William P. Newell of Illinois

Old King had the exceptional ability to produce white foals even when crossed with colored Morgan mares, and thanks to this he was the founding ancestor of what became known as the “American Albino”.

Thanks to them, the American Albino Horse Club was created, which we will briefly talk about below

American Albino Horse Club

In 1936-1937, the Thompson family organized the American Albino Horse Club to register the Old King’s progeny. Later the registry was opened to all truly white horses with pink skin, understanding that not only Old King’s progeny possessed these genetic peculiarities

Today it is called the American White & American Creme Horse Registry and is still very active.

Characteristics of albino horses

They are characterized by being one of the most docile breeds that can be found. They are also distinguished by being adaptable, balanced and very intelligent.

Because of the traits described above, they are especially useful for learning to ride a horse and also for helping with herd tasks. Another very popular job is the rodeo and the presentations of exercises or exhibitions.

The coat of albino horses is immaculate white from birth (it is not a grey horse that lightens with age. This is due to the minimal amount of melatonin they have in their skin and hair. In the same way the mane and tail are immaculate white.

As for the color of the eyes, they can be found in blue or also in pink. When these animals are free, in the wild, you can see eyes in pink tones.

One question we can ask ourselves is whether Palomo, Simon Bolivar’s horse, could be an albino horse, due to the pure white of its coat. An interesting idea, don’t you think?

The genetics of albino horse

Horses called albinos can be the product of various genetic variations. For example, they can be a product of the “Dominant White” gene or a double dilution of the cream gene (cremello). In the latter case, homozygosity of the cream gene produces very light horses with pink skin and blue eyes.

FUN FACT

Unlike other albino mammals, horses never have red eyes because they lack true genetic albinism. This means that, although they have little pigmentation, they do not have the same severe vision problems as other albino animals

Height of albino horse

The height of albinos ranges between 150 cm and 160 cm generally.

Albino Horse Coats

In relation to the color of its coats, and as its name indicates, this horse is white or also, in some cases, creamy white tones.

Health

They can suffer from the same diseases as any other equine breed, such as influenza, rabies or encephalomyelitis. But in addition, due to the color of their eyes they can have various eye conditions, since their retina does not withstand a strong light entry and even less for a long time.

Albino horses are also very susceptible to solar radiation, which makes them very prone to skin burns and skin cancer, called melanoma.

Statistics indicate that up to 80% of albino horses can develop skin alterations during their lifetime, in some cases benign, but causing serious health problems.

They also tend to have greater dermatological problems in general (such as dermatitis in the giblets) and with their hooves.

Therefore, it is important to keep them protected from direct sun, especially during the central hours of the day.

Recommendations for the health care of Albino horse.

If you have or plan to own a white horse:

• Mandatory sun protection (blankets, sunscreen in pink areas)
• Frequent veterinary check-ups to detect melanomas early
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours
• Special care for the skin and hooves

Albino Horse Breed Today Status

They are currently included in the category of white horses, sharing a group with horses of breeds such as the Camargue and the Lippizzano.