By Patty Wilber
Modified from the 2025 Gette and LP blog post.
The LP gene occurs in Appaloosa horses as well as a number of other breeds. LP stands for “leopard”. The name of the LP gene is a bit of a misnomer because a “leopard” horse is white all over, with spots, and occurs when a horse has one LP and one PATN gene.
LP is “the single gene believed to be responsible for the ability of Appaloosas to
produce the full spectrum of coat patterns, from solid to white with spots over
entire body.
1. This gene was termed LP for “leopard complex” by Dr. D. Phillip Sponenberg in
1982, and was described as an autosomal, incomplete dominant gene.
2. Horses without the gene (lp/lp) are solid non-characteristic (N), those with two
copies of the gene (LP/LP) are homozygous, and those with a single copy of the
gene (LP/lp) are heterozygous with phenotypes ranging from solid to white with
spots over entire body.” Appaloosa Handbook, pg 46
The LP gene alone produces horses that usually have white sclera, striped hooves, mottled skin, and may have progressive depigmentation (varnish roaning). The extent of the varnishing is highly variable. According to Wikipedia, “Varnishing is more common among Appaloosa horses, and less common among Norikers and Knabstruppers, whose breed associations find it undesirable.[5]” I was unable to read the (5) reference myself, so left the link in case anyone wanted to explore further.
Gette has only one copy of the LP gene and no PATN gene. She has white sclera, striped hooves, mottled skin, and spots. She is a “varnish roan”.
Gette, 2021, weanling. She has spots, but no varnishing yet. Photo by Heather McLevin.
Gette, June, 2022. Yearling. Definitely more white.
Gette, two years old, 4.26.23, with her eyes closed! This photo was taken before she was fully shed out.
Gette, May 30, 2024. Three. Note the increased gray in her tail,
May 9, 2025. Gette. Four. Not fully shed out, but definitely more white than last year! It is funny how the spots do not depigment.
Gette, May 6, 2026. She is five this year. Looks pretty similar to last year! Cool with me because I like this color phase! Also, her mane is still black, which is pretty. Sometimes, when the mane changes to white, it gets thinner. We shall see!
Happy Friday!
