The Book That Actually Explains Horse Color Genetics
Lessons from a life of horse breeding
The Teenager Who Wouldn't Take No for an Answer
Imagine being told you'd never succeed at breeding horses, then spending the next five decades proving everyone wrong. That's exactly what Jeanette Gower did, armed with nothing but library books and unshakeable determination.
In our fascinating conversation with Jeanette, she took us back to her first encounter with horses, being placed on a two-year-old polo pony with zero experience. That spark ignited a journey that would not only establish the renowned Chalani Stud but also produce the book that became the first accessible guide to equine color genetics ever published in Australia.
Who Needs This Book (And Who's Wasting Their Time)
Perfect For:
Breeders who want to understand what colors their foals will actually be (not just hope)
Horse buyers tired of being surprised by color changes as horses mature
Students who've struggled with complicated genetics textbooks written by academics with limited practical experience
Anyone curious about why their bay horse is throwing chestnut foals
Skip This If:
You think color is just about looks (Jeanette will change your mind)
You want a basic "how-to-breed" manual (this is specifically about color genetics)
You're not ready for science-backed breeding decisions
Lessons from a Life in Horse Breeding
The story of Jeanette Gower begins with a teenage girl who simply wouldn't take no for an answer. Armed with library books and an unshakeable determination, she chose to ignore the naysayers who insisted she'd never succeed at breeding horses. Five decades and over 300 foals later, her Chalani Stud demonstrates what happens when passion meets persistence.
What Makes This Book Revolutionary
"Horse Colour Explained is a treasure trove of in depth information for the serious student and the pleasure horse breeder alike. The principles of inheritance of colour are explained simply and practically for all to make informed decisions."
Unlike dense academic texts, Jeanette speaks from over 25 years of practical experience when she wrote this book (now extended to 55+ years). With nearly 200 beautiful colour photographs and explanatory diagrams and charts, the book covers basic equine colour genetics, colour breeds and terminology, interrelationships of colour, difficult colours identified, rare colour explained, white markings and patterns, selection for colour, and predicting outcomes of mating.
The Breeding Philosophy That Changes Everything
What struck us most about the interview with Jeanette wasn't just her expertise, it was her unwavering commitment to one principle: What's best for the horse?
This philosophy manifests in ways that challenge conventional breeding wisdom:
She keeps horses in paddocks rather than expensive stables
She feeds simply without elaborate supplement regimens
She maintains detailed records of every single foal born
She vets potential buyers not for status, but to ensure proper care
The "Forever Home" Myth Exposed
Perhaps most provocatively, Jeanette tackles the thorny issue that many breeders won't touch: responsible breeding means accepting that life is unpredictable. Her stance on "forever homes" is particularly thought-provoking, while sellers promise them, she argues this concept can actually harm horses by preventing necessary transitions when circumstances change.
Why Color Genetics Matters More Than You Think
Color isn't just cosmetic. During the conversation, Jeanette explained how understanding color genetics helps breeders:
Predict coat changes as horses mature
Avoid genetic surprises that affect marketability
Make informed breeding decisions based on science, not superstition
Understand inheritance patterns that affect more than just appearance
Never before have White Markings, Paint Horse inheritance, and the Dun been given such a comprehensive coverage, including much information never previously published.
What Sets Jeanette Apart
Jeanette Gower is a foremost authority on colour genetics. She is a respected judge and an equine studies lecturer. But what really sets her apart is her willingness to challenge the status quo.
In our interview, she confessed with a laugh that she's "addicted" to breeding horses. But unlike many addictions, this one has produced something remarkable: a blueprint for ethical, sustainable horse breeding that puts welfare first.
The International Impact
This isn't just another horse book gathering dust on shelves. Her first book, Horse Colour Explained, was the first book on equine colour genetics published in Australia that brought the topic in a simple and easy to understand format to the average horse owner.
The book's impact extends far beyond Australia, it's been used by breeders worldwide who finally had access to practical, understandable information about color genetics.
Beyond the Basics: Jeanette's Latest Insights
While we discussed "Horse Colour Explained," Jeanette also shared insights from her 2023 book "The Thinking Horse Breeder," which tackles modern breeding challenges with the same no-nonsense approach. She saw a need for breeders to understand the art, science, tools and business of responsible horse breeding.
Her philosophy remains consistent: successful breeding isn't about producing the most foals or the flashiest colors, it's about creating healthy, well-adjusted horses with bright futures.
Get Your Copy Today
Stop guessing about color genetics. Whether you're planning your first breeding or your hundredth, understanding color inheritance gives you the confidence to make informed decisions rather than expensive mistakes.
🛒 Get "Horse Colour Explained: A Breeder's Perspective" on Bookshop.org
When you purchase through this link, you're supporting independent bookstores AND helping keep Curious Equestrian bringing you more incredible guests like Jeanette.
Featuring Nearly 200 Color Photographs and Real-World Examples
This isn't dry theory—every concept is illustrated with gorgeous photographs and backed by Jeanette's decades of practical experience. A special feature is the Quick Guide at the beginning of each chapter, which allows the reader to find quick answers before delving into a particular topic of interest.
More from Jeanette's World
Want to dive deeper into responsible breeding practices? Check out Jeanette's newsletter "Thinking Horse Breeder" where she continues sharing insights from her ongoing journey at Chalani Stud.
More Game-Changing Equestrian Books
Looking for more books that challenge conventional wisdom? Browse the Curious Equestrian complete collection of curated equestrian books featuring authors who prioritize horse welfare over tradition.
Each recommendation comes with insights from my personal conversations with the authors themselves.
Have you read "Horse Colour Explained"? What color mystery did it finally solve for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.