The yellow category did not distinguish the color of the mane and tail. Since these two groups breed quite distinctly, this change reflects the impact of the most recent coat color research, as well as the observations of astute breeders across the nation. However, palominos and buckskins, along with pink-skinned champagnes, are in the minority in terms of Tennessee Walker coat color when compared to other distinct groups that have predominated since before the registry s formation. The golden-coated walkers are a result of the dilution of the basic coat color with another gene. Other variations of basic sorrel, chestnut, bay and black result from genetic packages termed patterns.
Patterns add white to the base color.
A number of patterns occur among registered Tennessee Walkers. Grey and tobiano have distinct listings on the application for registration. The other two are lumped together as roan, a term used for decades. The true roan, as accepted by most American as well as European breed associations, is a horse with an even distribution of white hairs in the base coat. The evenness of the white hairs in the pattern often results in a horse with a very silver body that, in the black version, is sometimes mistaken for grey.