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Silver Dilution Testing
Silver Dilution is a dominant gene, therefore a horse only needs to inherit a single copy from either parent in order to display the effects.
Silver dilution has no effect on Chestnut horses. Even though a Chestnut can carry Silver Dilution, it will not modify its coat. However, Black based horses, including Bay specimens can be affected in varying ways by this genetic trait.
Effects
Dilution by the Silver Gene on a horse with a uniform Black base typically involves lightening of the mane and tail and a dilution of the body to a Chocolate colour, often 'dappled' as well.
A Bay horse carrying the Silver gene will usually have a lightened Mane and tail, as well as lightened lower legs and points, ie: the Silver only dilutes the black parts of the horse.
As mentioned, Red horses can carry Silver dilution without being affected themselves, they can however pass the gene on to their offspring, and if bred to a Black mate have the potential to produce Silver-dilute offspring.
Animal Genetics Silver Dilution Test determines one of three outcomes:
Silver Dilution Negative: (nn) Can be considered a non-silver horse.
Silver Dilution Heterozygous: (nZ) Silver Dilution present. Not guaranteed to transmit Silver to foals when bred.
Silver Dilution Homozygous: (ZZ) Silver Dilution present, guaranteed to pass Silver to foals.
Testing for Silver Dilution may also be useful in cases where a horse has a diluted appearance and has tested Negative for Cream Dilution.
If you are unsure which tests apply specifically to your horse,
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Courtesy of Clare Laurence - France