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Dun Horses

Dun is believed to act as a simple dominant gene and to effect both red and black pigment. Dun appears to lighten the base coat, but leaves the color of the mane, tail, and legs alone. Dun horses also show primitive markings, such as dorsal and shoulder stripes, and leg striping on the limbs, or various other parts of the body. This association is so strong and consistent, a horse is not believed to be dun unless they exhibit at least a dorsal stripe; nevertheless, not all horses with dorsal stripes or other primitive markings are dun.