Selective Breeding of Horses

Horse breeders practice selective breeding to ensure that breeds continue and thrive, certain qualities are passed on from generation to generation and genetic diseases and abnormalities are reduced or eliminated. Some people also attempt to create new types of horses through selective breeding practices.

  1. Continuation

    • While only a few horse breeds are at the point of extinction, selective breeding plays an important role in saving those herds as well as supporting traits that distinguish one breed from another. For example, the Polish Konik horse is one rare breed and known for its light gray color, dorsal stripe on the back and zebra stripes on the legs. Breeders select horses that best represent these traits for their breeding programs.

    New Breeds

    • People develop new horse breeds when there is a need or desire for a certain characteristic. They select horses that match this need and begin a breeding program. The Rocky Mountain horse, for example, originated in the United States during the 19th century when people needed horses that were strong and versatile.

    Reducing Abnormalities

    • Some breeds have genetic abnormalities that they pass on to their offspring. Selective breeding practices atempt to reduce and even eliminate these defects, which can lead to injury or death. There is a gene in some paint horses, for example, called the Overo lethal white syndrome. Foals born with this gene die painful deaths within days of birth.

    Specific Qualities

    • Different breeds of horses specialize in different things. For example, thoroughbreds are bred for speed, Clydesdales are bred for strength and Lippizans are bred for grace. Each breed registry highlights the qualities and characteristics, and breeders select horses that will produce offspring that live up to these standards.