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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2026; 16(8); 1152; doi: 10.3390/ani16081152

Pedigree Investigation of Polish Sport Horses in Show Jumping: Insights for Global Breeding.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterise the pedigree and genetic structure of Polish Sport Horses competing in Grand Prix show jumping events and to assess the implications for international sport horse breeding. Pedigrees of 513 horses were analysed, encompassing a total of 18,836 individuals over a maximum of 16 generations. The completeness and depth of the pedigrees allowed for a reliable estimation of inbreeding coefficients and genetic diversity. The mean inbreeding coefficient was low (0.645%), yet 82% of the horses exhibited some degree of inbreeding. The greatest loss of genetic variability was observed in non-founder generations, most likely due to the intensive use of a limited number of high-value stallions with domestic mares-a bottleneck effect. The most significant founders contributing to the population were the Thoroughbred stallions Ladykiller and Rantzau, as well as the Anglo-Arab stallion Ramzes, highlighting the international influence on the contemporary population. These findings emphasise the need for systematic monitoring of genetic diversity and the strategic use of pedigree data to minimise inbreeding and preserve the genetic potential of Polish Sport Horses for international breeding programmes.
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Publication Date: 2026-04-10 PubMed ID: 42071921PubMed Central: PMC13114168DOI: 10.3390/ani16081152Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Overview

  • This research investigates the ancestry and genetic makeup of Polish Sport Horses used in top-level show jumping competitions.
  • It evaluates the implications of these findings for breeding programs worldwide, focusing on genetic diversity and inbreeding levels.

Study Objectives and Population

  • The main aim was to characterise the pedigree and genetic structure of Polish Sport Horses competing in Grand Prix show jumping events.
  • The study involved analyzing the pedigrees of 513 horses participating in the sport.
  • These pedigrees included a total of 18,836 individuals spanning up to 16 generations, offering a deep and comprehensive genealogical dataset.

Pedigree Data and Analysis

  • The study assessed the completeness and depth of the pedigrees to ensure reliable calculations of genetic parameters.
  • Key genetic measures included the inbreeding coefficient, which quantifies how closely related the ancestors of an individual are, and genetic diversity, important for the population’s health and breeding potential.

Key Genetic Findings

  • The average inbreeding coefficient across the population was low at 0.645%, indicating overall limited close-relative breeding.
  • Despite this, 82% of the horses had some measurable degree of inbreeding, showing that related matings are quite common but generally controlled.
  • A large reduction in genetic variability was found in non-founder generations, likely due to the repeated use of a small number of prized stallions bred with many domestic mares.
  • This pattern is known as the “bottleneck effect,” where genetic diversity narrows as breeding focuses on few select ancestors.

Influence of Founders on the Population

  • The most significant genetic contributors were Thoroughbred stallions Ladykiller and Rantzau, and the Anglo-Arab stallion Ramzes.
  • The prominence of these founders highlights the international roots of the contemporary Polish Sport Horse population.
  • This international influence is typical in sport horse breeding, where top performers from various bloodlines are integrated for desirable traits.

Implications for Breeding Programs

  • Findings underline the importance of continuous and systematic monitoring of genetic diversity within the population to avoid excessive inbreeding.
  • Pedigree data can be strategically used to select mating pairs that minimize relatedness and maintain genetic potential.
  • Preserving a broad genetic base is essential to ensure the long-term health, performance, and adaptability of Polish Sport Horses.
  • The results serve as a guide not only for Polish breeders but also for international breeding programs seeking to optimize genetic resources and improve sport horse quality globally.

Conclusion

  • The study provides valuable insights into the complex pedigree structure of Polish Sport Horses in show jumping, revealing a balance between maintaining genetic diversity and utilizing top-performing stallions.
  • This knowledge supports more informed breeding decisions, helping to sustain the competitiveness and genetic health of the breed on an international level.

Cite This Article

APA
Próchniak T. (2026). Pedigree Investigation of Polish Sport Horses in Show Jumping: Insights for Global Breeding. Animals (Basel), 16(8), 1152. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani16081152

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 16
Issue: 8
PII: 1152

Researcher Affiliations

Próchniak, Tomasz
  • Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.

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