A Champagne Horse is not a horse of a specific breed, rather it is a genetic combination that creates a unique and distinctive coloration. It is not found in every breed and is not acceptable in some breeds depending on the specific breed standards. A horse that has the champagne coloration may therefore be registered in more than one registry as they could be registered in the breed registry, the International Champagne Horse Registry as well as in a specific type registry such as a sport horse registry or a draft horse registry.
The champagne coloration results in a genetic combination inherited from the mare or the stallion. Champagne genes are dominant in horses, cause a dilution factor as well as a color modification. This means that the champagne color will caused the incomplete expression of the two base coat colors red or black found in all horses (dilution) as well as the change in pigmentation of the hair, skin and eyes of a champagne horse.
All champagne horses will have blue eyes and pink skin at birth. As the foal matures the eyes will gradually turn to a lighter brown color and the skin will develop characteristic freckles. This distinguishes the champagne horse from the pinto, palomino, perlino, cremello, or pearl colored horses.
A champagne horse may have various forms of the dilution element resulting in different expressions of the champagne coloration. Champagne coloration is not caused by roaning or cream dilution genes which may be confused for the champagne gene.
There is now a genetic DNA marker test to confirm the presence of a champagne gene. Since it is a dominant gene often breeding these horses was historically the most common way to prove a true champagne gene in the mare or stallion.
Champagne horses can have pinto colorations or may also be solid in color. Manes and tail will be the same color as the coat or may also be slightly darker or lighter, but will never be black as this would then be a buckskin, which is the result of a cream dilution gene.
Since the champagne gene is dominant, all horses with the genetic factor will have some dilution and skin modification such as the freckles. If one champagne gene is present the results will be less noticeable than if two champagne genes are present, which often results in the most dramatic and noticeable color differences.
Champagne genes can be found in both miniature horse breeds, ponies, light horses and draft horses. Many breeds that have the golden, amber or champagne colored bodies with the flaxen manes and tails along with the blue eyes at birth and the freckled skin are, in fact, champagne horses.
The Champagne Horse Breeders and Owner's Association is a separate registry that has been developed to promote and inform horse owners and breeders about the gene. All horses that are registered with the organization must be temporarily registered until the full genetic testing for the gene is available, which will prevent other genetic combinations from entering the registry.
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