The foal flutters his eyelids in the dawning hours during his first day of his life. He stands, wobbles around his dam, and finally nurses, showing the vigorous signs of a healthy newborn.

Now that the foal has safely made its way into the world, the breeder starts inventorying exactly what she has in front of her: a colt. Strong Quarter Horse body. Straight legs. Bay. Three small white socks and a broad blaze down the center of his face. One blue eye.

Where did that come from?

No one really knows for sure, says Cherie Lones, director of the Blue Eyed Horse Association (BEHA) in Rapid City, S.D