Guide to Coloured Horses in the UK: Types, Showing & Breeds

Coloured horses have never been more fashionable, and the appetite for these horses—regardless of shape or size—shows no sign of diminishing. A few decades ago, seeing skewbald and piebald horses in the show ring was rare, but today there are classes dedicated to coloured horses at all levels, including county shows.

If you're interested in showing or performance classes, two main societies govern the UK scene. The British Skewbald and Piebald Association (BSPA) specialises in piebald (black and white) and skewbald (coloured and white) horses and ponies, while the Coloured Horse and Pony Society (CHAPS) caters to non-native coloured horses and ponies. Both societies run in-hand and ridden classes from local events through to prestigious championships such as the Horse of the Year Show and the Royal International Horse Show, where qualification is highly competitive.

Common Types and Colours of Coloured Horses

Coloured horses come in a broad variety of types and colours in the UK:

• Bay: The most common colour overall, featuring a brown body with black mane, tail and lower legs. This classic look is very popular in shows.
• Chestnut: Known for its reddish-brown coat and matching or flaxen mane and tail, this colour varies from light to liver chestnut and is a frequent sight in competitive rings.
• Black: Solid black coats with matching mane and tail, recognized for their striking and elegant appearance.
• Dun (including Bay Dun): Light golden or tan body with primitive markings like dorsal stripes and leg barring. Bay dun is especially common and admired for its distinctive look.
• Piebald and Skewbald: Horses with black-and-white or coloured-and-white patches, especially popular in traditional cob types and native ponies.
• Appaloosa patterns: Spotted coats with mottled skin, white sclera and striped hooves, though these are registered separately with the Appaloosa Horse Club UK.

The Traditional Gypsy Cob

One notable type that has gained formal recognition is the Traditional Gypsy Cob. Known for a strong, compact build and a willing temperament, this breed is usually shown with long flowing manes, tails and heavy feathering on the legs. While often thought of as piebald or skewbald, Traditional Gypsy Cobs can be any solid colour or pattern, provided they meet the breed’s physical criteria.

Caring for a traditional Gypsy Cob requires dedication to grooming, including maintaining feathering and the luxurious mane and tail, which are key to presenting these horses in the show ring.

Other Coloured Types in the Show Ring

Beyond cobs, coloured sports horses and ponies are common in eventing and performance arenas. Many British native breeds such as Shetland and Welsh ponies also appear in showing classes, often displaying a range of colours including sabino patterns that add white splashes to the coat. However, most British native breeds tend to prefer solid colours, and judges sometimes have mixed views on extensive white markings.

Where You'll Rarely See Coloured Horses

Coloured horses are uncommon on race tracks in the UK and rarely feature in traditional native pony breed shows unless they meet strict colour and breed standards. For example, purists often prefer Shetland ponies in black, grey, or chestnut, and coloured Shetlands may face mixed opinions from judges because of their coat colour.

Registration and Society Membership

Registration with the BSPA or CHAPS often relies on colour characteristics rather than strict breed lineage, allowing owners to register horses across multiple societies if applicable. Some coloured horses also hold passports from breed-specific societies, with regulations allowing passports to be overstamped or recognised by bodies such as CHAPS or BSPA.

For horses with Appaloosa patterns, the Appaloosa Horse Club UK manages registration, subdividing registrations based on pedigree and breed criteria.

The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society

Adding to the complexity, the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society recognises a distinct type of coloured horse developed by travelling gypsies in England and Ireland, bred to pull wagons and light vehicles. These vanners frequently display striking coloured coats matching their heritage.

Conclusion

The world of coloured horses in the UK is vibrant, diverse, and growing in popularity. Whether you are drawn to native ponies, traditional Gypsy Cobs, or non-native sport horses, the range of suitable coloured types ensures there is something for every interest and purpose. Membership with societies like BSPA and CHAPS helps maintain standards, supports ethical breeding, and provides pathways to compete in prestigious shows.

Choosing a coloured horse means embracing not only their unique looks but also the responsibility of good care, grooming, and training. With the appetite for coloured horses showing no sign of waning in 2025, it remains a rewarding and colourful equestrian pursuit.