A dun horse is a type of horse that you may have heard of but didn’t know what it was. A dun horse is simply a horse with a particular color due to a genetic mutation. This mutation can affect many breeds of horses, so it is not limited to a particular breed.
This is why dun horses can come in many colors, traits, and temperaments depending on how the breed has been affected by mutations. Continue reading to learn more about dun horses.
Quick facts about Dun Horses
| Species Name: | Equus caballus |
| Family: | Equidae |
| Care Level | Expert |
| Temperature: | 18 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Temperament: | Variables by breed |
| Color Form: | Dun (classic, red, or grulla/grullo) |
| Lifespan: | Variables by breed |
| Size: | Variables by breed |
| Diet: | Hay, foliage, and water |
| Minimum Size for Stall: | 12 x 12 with pastureland |
| Set-up a Stall | Wooden stall inside a barn |
| Compatibility: | Horse experts will love this! |
Dun Horse Overview
A dun horse is not a breed of horse. “Dun” is a specific color. The classic dun horse will be either gray-gold or tan, but any color can be considered dun. Their unique characteristics might be more difficult to identify.
There are three types of dun around red dun, classic dun, and grulla/grullo. The most common duns are known as zebra or classic duns. They have tan coats with black tails and manes. The red dun has a light-tanned coat with a reddish tail and mane. The grulla can be found in many colors.
The dun gene is responsible for determining the color of a horse’s skin. The dun gene causes the horse’s body to be lighter so their primitive markings, ears, legs, and tail can be clearly seen. The dun gene can be found in a variety of breeds.
Dun horses are loved by horse enthusiasts because of their unique coloration. True dun horses are the most valuable. True dun horses will have a straight dorsal stripe running from their mane to their tail. This coloration is permanent.
What is the cost of a Dun Horse?
There is a wide range of prices for horses, as “dun” refers only to their coloration. A dun horse’s exact cost will depend on its breed and coat color. Price will also be affected by other factors such as age, health, and heredity.
We found that most dun horses cost between $5000 and $5000 online when we searched for their prices. This is a large gap. The horses that were less expensive were usually older horses that needed a new home. The horses that were soon to be or recently born were the more expensive duns.
The Typical Behavior and Temperament
Dun horses share a common trait, a gene mutation. They don’t have the same temperament or behavior as horse breeds. It is best to examine the breed of horse you are interested in to determine the temperament of your dun.
A dun Norwegian Fjord, for example, will have a temperament that is different from a dun American quarter horse. There are many horses that can carry the dun gene. We can’t offer any tips on the behavior or temperament of duns.
Appearance and Varieties
Instead of spending our time discussing the various breeds that may have the dun gene let’s look at the common colors and markings found in most duns.
Classic Dun
The classic dun can also be called a zebra or dun. These horses have a black tail and mane, and either a dusty or tan-colored body. They will have distinct primitive markings on their legs, back, and legs.
Red Dun
A clay back is a red dun, which will give them light tan hair. These horses would be a Chestnut color without the mutation. However, the gene lightens their coat. Their tail and mane will be reddish.
Grulla/Grullo Dun
The grulla and grullo dun horses come in a range of colors. Most are a combination of tan and gray. These horses will be born with the mouse hair gene, the black gene, and the dun gene. This can make it difficult to identify the colors and markings.
Markings
Many duns will have visible primitive markings such as zebra striping at the back of the legs. However, all duns will have a dorsal stripe. This is the stripe that runs from your tail to the Main. This is a permanent color.
Many duns will also have markings on their legs and back. Their foreheads will have cobweb-like strands. They can also have a shoulder stripe, similar to the one on donkeys. They can also have frosting on their manes and tails, as well as darkened ear tips.
How to Care for Dun Horses
You can take care of a horse like any other horse the same way you would for a horse. They need a lot of water, food, exercise, and plenty of space to run.
Setup, Stall Conditions & Habitat
Temperature
Horses are most comfortable between 18 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, their preference will depend on their breed and their coat. Your dun horse should have a stall that offers shade in the summer and heat in the winter.
You will need additional features to keep your stall warm if you live in an area with extremely cold temperatures. You can also get jackets for your horse or heating elements. Consider getting a fan for the summer.
Stall
Horses need shelter from the elements. Most people prefer a stall. A stall should not exceed 12×12 square feet. This is the ideal size for most horse breeds. You might consider a 12×14-foot stall for larger breeds.
Stall mats and stable floors should be placed above the floor in order to provide additional cushioning for your horse. You can add pine bedding, straw or hay to the stall, but it could easily get contaminated.
Your horse must have fresh hay and water to eat and drink in the stall.
Pasture
Even if your horse has a wonderful stall, they still need to be able to move freely. Stalls don’t allow enough space for horses to move around freely. Make sure your horse has plenty of pasture to graze. You should also ensure that there are no poisonous or hazardous plants in the pasture that your horse might accidentally eat.
Are Dun Horses compatible with other pets?
The breed of your horse is the most important factor in determining whether or not your horse will get along well with other pets. Some horses are very friendly and brave. Some horses are more fearless than others and can be scared by other animals.
Horses are generally not aggressive and require companionship. However, they can sometimes get along with other horses. Introduce your horse to a new horse or vice versa.
Horses will get along well with farm animals like cows and dairy animals. However, they might be a little hesitant around loud or perky animals and dogs. It all depends on the horse’s breed, but horses will need a friend.
How to feed your Dun Horse
Like humans, dun horses require five types of nutrients. These nutrients include proteins, vitamins, and minerals as well as water and energy nutrients such as fats and carbohydrates.
Horses require 10-12 gallons of water daily because they are so large. They may require 15 to 20 gallons more water if the weather is extremely hot. Even though it is cold outside, they still need plenty of water. Keep their water warm in winter.
Forage roughage is the main source of horse food. Forage roughage usually includes grass or alfalfa, or a combination. Access to high-quality hay is essential for horses. Horses need pastureland where they can graze without being exposed to poisonous or dangerous foods.
You can also feed your dun horses small grains like corn or barley. Your dun horse will get energy concentrates from this. To ensure your horse has all the vitamins and protein they require, you can feed them supplements.
Keeping Your Dun Horse Healthy
Make sure your horse is well-fed with high-quality food and water to keep it healthy. For more information on what to feed your horse, see the above. You should also give them deworming and vaccinations. Also, take them to the veterinarian every year or whenever they have any problems.
Try to reduce stress. Horses are more alert than farm animals and can easily become stressed. Slowly introduce horses to new experiences. Be patient and let the horse enjoy its normal life.
Horses require special care for their hooves and teeth. It is important to regularly file your horse’s teeth. Talk to your veterinarian about how often your horse’s teeth need to be filed.
You should also take a moment to look after your horse’s hooves. Horses stand almost constantly so their legs and hooves need to be looked after. Don’t skimp on hoof maintenance. Talk to a farrier about hoof care and create a schedule.
The last thing you can do to keep your horse healthy is to ensure they get enough exercise every day. They are designed to move throughout the day. They become unhealthy and overweight if they are kept in stalls.
Breeding
Because the dominant mutation causes dun coloration, it is relatively simple to breed dun horses. There are actually three types of the dun gene.
There is a possibility that the color will be carried on to the offspring if the mutation affects only one horse. Some breeds are more likely to be dun than others. Norwegian Fjords, for example, are primarily dun horses. This is why the breed of horse can have a significant impact on breeding dun horses.
Are Dun Horses suitable for you?
Although dune horses can be stunning, they are just as hard-working as any other horse. A dun horse can be a great choice if you are looking for a truly unique horse and have the space and resources to support two horses.
You should choose a less-maintenance pet if you don’t have the stall space, pastureland, or resources to care for more than one horse. Even though they are beautiful and incredibly gentle, it is best to not purchase them if you don’t have the resources or time to care for them.
What exactly is a dun horse?
Dun is a coat color dilution characterized by coat lightening, with the head, lower legs, mane, and tail remaining undiluted. Often, dun is distinguished by primitive markings” such as a black dorsal stripe.
What is the name of a GREY horse?
Grey horses are known by numerous names. While calling a grey horse “a grey horse” is valid (as is spelling it “gray”), there are unique names for distinct kinds of grey coats. Rose grey horses, flea-bitten grey horses, dapple grey horses, steel grey horses, and grey roans are other examples.
What exactly is a wolf horse?
A wolf horse is a mix of a horse and a wolf. They have horse hooves and snouts, and they can growl, bark, and howl like any other dog.
Twilight is what kind of horse is he?
Twilight Tear (1941-1954) was a Thoroughbred racehorse in the American Hall of Fame. Sexy Twilight Tears Filly Foaled 1941 State The United States Colorful Bay
What exactly are Spirit horses?
It is a tiny horse that previously roamed freely in the boreal forest and served as a service animal and spirit animal for the indigenous peoples of Ontario and northern Minnesota.
What color do dun horses have when they are born?
The horse has an underlying bay coat color that is influenced by the dun gene. Red dun is a pale tan coat with reddish rather than black points and primitive patterns. The horse has an underlying chestnut coat color that is influenced by the dun gene.
What horse colors are uncommon?
The Most Beautiful Horse Colors Brindle and white horses are uncommon, especially ‘genuine white’ horses with the ‘W’ gene. White horses, in reality, are mythological animals. The flying horse, Pegasus, was completely white. Some people refer to white horses as albinos, however, not all white horses are.
Is it possible for a horse to be born white?
OLWS is a genetic abnormality that causes white markings in horses. To contract the condition, a foal must have two copies of the defective gene. Blue eyes and a white coat are born with the foals. Small black markings on the head, mane, or tail of these foals are possible.
What exactly is a blaze on a horse?
Blaze: a large white stripe running down the center of the face. A narrow white stripe along the center of the face is known as a stripe, stripe, or race. A bald face has an extremely broad blaze that extends to or past the eyes.
Are dun horses uncommon?
The dun gene is found in many horse breeds, although it is more widespread in heavy pony types such as the fjord horse, Icelandic horse, highland pony, and Shetland pony. Duns are uncommon in Thoroughbreds and Arabian-influenced breeds. Duns are rarely found in heavy draft breeds.