* White horses have no pigment in their coat, meaning they lack melanin. They are often described as being "albino," but this is not technically correct. True albinism is a genetic condition that affects all melanin production, including the eyes and skin. White horses, however, usually have dark eyes and skin.
* Gray horses have a mixture of pigmented and unpigmented hairs. This creates the appearance of a gray coat, which can range from a very dark gray to a very light gray. Gray horses are born with a darker coat that gradually lightens as they age.
Here's a quick summary:
| Feature | White Horse | Gray Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Pigmentation | No pigment (lack melanin) | Mixture of pigmented and unpigmented hairs |
| Coat color | Pure white | Ranges from dark gray to light gray |
| Eye color | Usually dark | Usually dark, but can vary |
| Skin color | Usually dark | Usually dark |
| Age and color change | No color change with age | Gradually lightens with age |
It's important to note that there are some exceptions to these general guidelines. Some horses may have a white coat with a few pigmented hairs, while others may be born with a very light gray coat that appears almost white.