New Discovery: Eden Whites

There's a new major discovery in horse color! Eden White is a new pinto or white pattern that was found on the HPS5 gene. What makes it a major discovery is it was found on a gene that white patterns hadn't been found on before. Chincoteague Ponies were included in the initial study and is one of the breeds it was found in. This is the first time Chincoteagues have been in an initial study of a major color discovery!

Etalon Equine Genetics researchers found three types of Eden White: EDXW1, EDXW2, and EDXW3. Even though Eden White is a new discovery it appears to be very old because it was found in a wide variety of breeds. It's found in Welsh Ponies, Shetlands, and Quarter Horses that have been crossed into Chincoteagues. It appears to be what gives draft horses such as Clydesdale and Shires their white markings. And like the Shire foal in this Etalon graphic. The white in drafts has been long sought after.

The horses identified as having Eden White have a wide range of the amount of white they have. From minimal amounts, such as only markings like stars and socks. To large amounts, such as obvious body spotting. Roaning is possible. Blue eyes have been found. Its interactions with other pinto patterns is still being looked at. Chestnut horses with EDXW1 and EDXW3 will have more white than black or bay horses.

The individual Chincoteague Ponies that have tested positive for Eden White haven't been identified. When I know of any I'll definitely share! My website has been updated to add this new discovery.

For more information:
https://www.etalondx.com/news-media/etalon-equine-genetics-discovers-three-new-white-marking-variants-in-a-new-gene/

Recommend listening to Etalon's podcast episode about Eden White. Chincoteagues get a mention!
https://geneticsunbridled_horse_dna.buzzsprout.com/2238205/14108529?fsuid=%2317HZ9P%23104ed1e6-69e2-4bcd-9941-fd83542a36e9%3Aa5817356-0a8f-4082-9b16-6fe02a93d90d%3A1711457988631%3A%3A5%23%2F1742993998

Link to the research study abstract:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871141324000611