While initially focused on unraveling the genetic mystery behind Cruz's unique white patches, along with those of other horses, our research team hit a roadblock in their search for novel KIT mutations, which are often responsible for white markings. The real breakthrough happened when they broadened their investigation to include a more diverse range of horses with similar unidentified markings. This shift in approach led them to a crucial realization: the key to these "unknown" white markings lay in a different gene altogether.

Read all about EDXW and the full story of its discovery on our blog!

It's certainly possible! From the more common heavy breeds like Gypsy Cobs and Shires, to stock-type breeds including Paint and Quarter Horses, the EDXW variants were found in many breeds known to carry white marking variants in their genes. And that's not all - they've been spotted in other breeds too, like Lusitanos, miniature horses, Paso Finos, and more!