Please remember that there are no absolute guarantees that a spotted pony will not fade until it is at least six years of age, but fortunately there are some very good indications available to look out for. Whether you are a novice or more experienced I suggest that you observe the following ten simple guidelines. At least then you will be reasonable sure that your colour will last.
Finally, do not get paranoid about fading, which in its early stages can easily be confused with the effect of the roaning gene or 'R' Factor. This gene also attacks the spots of pigmented hairs, thereby losing much of the coat contrast. However roaning usually shows up around the first change of foal coat, and from then on changes but little through life (apart from the normal seasonal changes).
At the stage when a fader has only a few spots remaining, it can also be confused with a genuine 'few-spot'. Here ask for advice, as only an experienced breeder with an intimate knowledge of 'few-spots' can really "spot the difference"!!
If the worst comes to the worst and you find you have unintentionally purchased a fader, you will still probably have bought a very nice pony of good confirmation and of lovely temperament who stands a 50% chance of producing offspring which will no longer carry this fading gene. In the meantime, it will remain entitled to all the benefits of the existing registration, including competing at the Breed Show (where the judges are asked to judge first and foremost on confirmation alone).
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