Here's why roan isn't the rarest:
* Roan is a pattern, not a color: Roan describes a coat pattern with a mix of white hairs intermingled with other colored hairs. This pattern can occur with various base colors, like bay, chestnut, black, etc.
* Many rare coat colors exist: Some extremely rare equine coat colors include:
* Champagne: A recessive gene that dilutes the base color, creating a pale, golden coat with a distinctive flaxen mane and tail.
* Pearl: A dominant gene that produces a pearl-like sheen over the base coat.
* Appaloosa Blanket: A specific pattern found in Appaloosa horses, characterized by a white blanket pattern covering the body.
* Cream: A recessive gene that dilutes the base color to various shades of cream.
* Dun: A primitive pattern with a dorsal stripe and zebra-like stripes on the legs.
It's important to remember: Rarity of coat colors can vary significantly depending on breed and location.
Let me know if you'd like to learn more about any specific coat color!