POA Color and FAQs

[Tab]

Our new POA mare is snowcap/few spot. What should I come to expect as far as night blindness is concerned? I have heard all few-spots have night blindness. Is there anything she should be tested for? Should a few spot ever reproduce? How can I care for her to lessen her risk? Do you test to make sure they are not homozygous for a certain color?

Thanks for any info you can provide. I am unfamiliar with all of the ins and outs, I have a lot to learn!

 

[walkermini]

Go to appaloosaproject.info, and on the left side is a tab for CSNB/Night blindness. Lots of good info there. Many horses with night blindness dont have any obvious symptoms, since they had the condition from birth it is all they know. With my few spot stallion, the only thing I have done differently is if I am putting him in an unfamiliar area, I put him there early morning so he would have the entire day to learn where things are, fence lines, stall doors, etc. so when it is dark he will already be familiar with the area. Also you wouldnt want hazards such as farm equipment in the area, but those shouldnt be there anyway for any horse....They can definately reproduce, a foal from them will always have Lp (appaloosa coloring) so few spots/snow caps are valued color wise for breeding. Any of their heterozygous Lp foals will not have CSNB, any homozygous for Lp foals (obviously must have another appaloosa parent to be homozygous Lp) will have CSNB.

 

[Tab]

I appreciate this so much! Thank you!

 

[HGFarm]

My understanding is that there are various levels of sight problems.... some have a little trouble seeing in the dark, some have a lot.