by Lainalou » Fri Oct 28, 2011 12:32 pm
((The W gene, or white gene does not cause death before adulthood so long as it is heterozygous. There are two lethal genes, lethal white (WW) and lethal overo. These genes are only lethal when homozygous. White horses can live to adulthood and passed it easily. There is a breed based on the whole gene known as the American Albino. These horses are born completely white (different from gray) and they have brown eyes, not blue. Which is what sets them apart from the cremello and perlino. I have done extensive research on this myself. You are probably thinking of the OVERO white gene, which would cause death before adulthood and in it's heterozygous form would cause paint markings. However this is a whole different gene which is believed to be a mutation of the KIT gene and is expressed with the use of the letter W. Ww is viable and the horse will live a long, healthy life. The WW has never been seen in any white horses and is thought to cause embryos to be nonviable and thus will result in miscarriage. It's a really rare color so it's not very well heard of but I can find some articles for you on this particular gene, I'm fascinated by it. cx))
Demitri Garret stared down the homestretch as he leaned over Lady's neck, feeling her muscles rippling beneath him as she pushed to surge ahead, giving it her all even on a practice run. Her bright white coat shone brilliantly beneath the sun, always kept in pristine condition by her doting owner. Eleanor was a tough boss to him, but the horse was more child than animal to her. She had a set routine schedule, and custom feed mixed just to her tastes. But all in all Eleanor was a good boss, he'd seen grooms get treated worse.
He finished jogging her further down the track before turning her around and dismounting. He walked her off the track and continued to walk her to allow her time to cool down. Eleanor fell into step beside them, smiling happily. "She's doing great." The young woman enthused, golden copper hair tied in a ponytail bouncing as if to express her enthusiasm. "I think she'll produce some great foals once she's done with her career."
Demitri listened patiently as Eleanor continued to dote, hotwalking Lady on his own versus hooking her up to the hotwalker. Neither he nor Eleanor wanted to risk a possible accident. They weren't common, but Lady was Eleanor's everything and she wasn't risking it.
After the walk was done Demitri turned Lady out to graze in the pasture as the two humans walked back towards the barn.
Watching them go Lady waited a minute, head up, auds perked, before turning and cantering out into the field. She tossed her head playfully as she came to a stop, loving to be able to run without the burden of a rider on her back and a bridle on her head. She sounded a friendly whinny before lowering her head to graze, tail switching against her side to keep away the insects.