Mr. Gary Griffith
AQHA Stud Book & Registration Dept.
P.O. Box 200
Amarillo, TX 79168

Dear Mr. Griffith:

I'm writing this letter in support of TOTAL removal of rule 227 (i) (formerly known as rule 227j) which states "No horse is eligible for registration which possesses all three characteristics: light (or pink) skin over the body; white or cream colored hair over the body; and eyes of bluish cast." I also support the addition of Cremello and Perlino as accepted colors for registration into rule 228. I request that the Stud Book & Registration Committee approve these changes at the 2002 Convention.

I am thankful that the AQHA has recognized that these horses are not albinos but I feel that is not enough. They are DNA verifiable as Quarter Horses and deserve to be registered in the same registry as their parents.

These horses have simply received two copies of the Cr gene, which is commonly known as the dilution, cremello, or palomino gene. This occurs 25% of the time when two diluted horses are bred, such as buckskins, palominos and blacks/browns (Smoky blacks/browns that had a diluted parent and are carrying the dilute gene). By receiving two copies of the gene the individual is homozygous for that gene, meaning that the individual will always pass the Cr gene and produce a diluted color. In any breed that has palominos and buckskins it is totally natural for cremellos and perlinos to exist. In all the other major horse registries these colors are not only registered but are accepted as a natural occurrence. Many Cremello and Perlino horses have facial and leg markings, which do not exceed the excessive white requirements. These markings can be clearly seen at birth, at maturity and/or when the hair coat is wet so there would not be a problem in making sure they are within the allowable limits for white markings.

We have been told that there are concerns about potential health problems, but are also told in the same breath that they are based on personal opinions of a few AQHA committee members. AQHA has not provided substantiated research results, studies or documented information which supports their position. Extensive research into these claims by the Cremello and Perlino Educational Association have failed to find any studies or scientific information showing that double diluted horses have any higher incidence of health problems than any other color of horse.

The late Dr Ann Bowling, UC Davis, in correspondence on this subject requested that the following quote be used in publications and presentations as a quote attributed to herself: "Dr Bowling is aware only of a couple of case reports of the blue-eyed cream (cremello) documenting possible defective vision. There is nothing in the current literature to make a definitive statement about the incidence of the observed defects. She comments that it is possible that genes may exist to protect against possible vision defects in the blue-eyed creams. Dr. Bowling states that we mustn't assume that all blue eyes are due to pigment dilution genes. Some may be associated with spotting genes. She concludes that medical research is needed to determine whether vision defects exist in the blue eyed cream equine."

Due to these facts I see absolutely NO reason that AQHA would not accept these horses for registration. If single diluted horses are accepted into the registry there is no reason why the double dilutes should not also be accepted. Therefore, I must request that AQHA remove 227(i) from its rule book and revise 228 to include the colors Cremello and Perlino.

 Respectfully,

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