Embarking on the journey to understand your horse’s genetic makeup and lineage can be a rewarding experience for any owner. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of horse DNA testing, focusing on genotyping and breed analysis services. Whether you’re curious about your horse’s ancestry or need to establish parentage, understanding the process, requirements, and interpretation of results is crucial.
Understanding Horse Ancestry and Breed Complexity
The history of horses in North America is a fascinating tapestry, with their re-introduction by Spanish explorers marking a significant turning point. While the exact number of horse breeds worldwide is debated, with estimates ranging from hundreds to over a thousand, certain breeds like the Arabian and Thoroughbred are globally recognized. The Department of Animal Sciences at Oklahoma State University and publications like the “International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds” offer extensive catalogs of these diverse breeds.
The Animal Genetics Lab at Texas A&M University specializes in horse ancestry testing, utilizing a reference panel of 50 common breeds found in North America. This selection represents major equine groups, including draft horses, ponies, Oriental and Arabian breeds, and Iberian breeds. While rare or endangered breeds, and those with open registries like the Appaloosa and American Paint Horse, are not included in the primary reference panel, the testing provides valuable insights into a horse’s genetic heritage. Similarly, Mustangs, while historically significant, are excluded due to their complex genetic influences from various breeds over time.
The Genotyping and Ancestry Testing Process
Horse ancestry testing at Texas A&M University is a detailed process involving DNA comparison. A horse’s DNA genotype is compared against a reference panel of 50 horse breeds using a computer program based on maximum likelihood analysis. This analysis calculates the probability that the subject horse originated from each reference breed. The results report the top three breeds with the highest probability, presented in order of likelihood.
It’s important to understand that this testing does not provide a percentage of breed composition. Due to the genetic similarities among horses, it’s not feasible to determine exact proportions. While the test is reliable for identifying purebreds and often accurately identifies the parental breeds in a two-breed cross, accuracy may decrease with more complex crossbreeding. Furthermore, breeds within related groups may yield similar probabilities. For instance, a horse with Belgian draft and Suffolk ancestry might show results including Percheron or even a pony breed due to their genetic similarities at the tested marker level. Similarly, breeds with significant Thoroughbred influence may show similarities to Warmblood breeds.
Submission Guidelines and Laboratory Information
The Animal Genetics Lab will be closed for the holidays from December 20, 2025, reopening on January 5, 2026. Ancestry testing is priced at $60 per animal, with payment processed online. The lab does not provide ancestry testing for dogs, cats, or other species, focusing exclusively on horses.
To initiate the testing process, you will need to submit 30-50 hairs with roots, a completed submission form (available for download), and the online payment confirmation number. The lab’s standard turnaround time is two weeks from the receipt of the sample. The submission form can be downloaded here: Download the Horse ancestry submission form here.
Understanding Your Test Reports
Upon completion of the testing, you will receive two distinct reports. The first is the Horse Genotyping Report, also known as a DNA type, DNA profile, or DNA fingerprint. This report details the markers used (such as microsatellites VHL20 and HTG10) and the corresponding allele sizes. The nomenclature used adheres to the standards set by the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG), of which the laboratory is an institutional member. If parentage verification is requested and the parents’ DNA is available, this will be reflected in the report, indicating sire/dam qualification or exclusion.
The second report is the Horse Ancestry Report, which provides the breed assignments based on the genetic analysis. As mentioned previously, this report does not include percentages of breed composition. An example of the ancestral equine report can be accessed here: Ancestral Equine Report Example.
For further details on specific breeds or regions, you can explore the laboratory’s research and publications page.
A horse looking over a fence in a field
A horse posing for a photograph in a stable
Horses and riders participating in a rodeo at dusk
