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United States stakeholder insights on genetic testing for equine health and breeding.
Abstract: The S1094 United States Department of Agriculture Multistate Research Project is a collaborative effort utilizing equine genetics and genomics to improve horse health and well-being. It also provides educational resources and genetic testing tools to equine industry stakeholders. Objective: A survey assessed the knowledge, priorities, and information sources of U.S. horse owners and enthusiasts regarding equine genetic testing to inform future outreach and research efforts. Methods: An online survey was distributed from March to October 2024, targeting horse owners and enthusiasts across the U.S. Four hundred and twelve participants from forty-four states completed the survey. Demographic data, horse use categories, details about sources of genetic information and interest in genetic testing were collected and analyzed. Results: Most survey participants were horse owners, primarily within age ranges of 31-50 (33.6%) and 51-70 (33.3%) years old. The most common use categories were sport horse and stock horse. Participants expressed confidence in their genetics knowledge, relied primarily on breed/disciplines organizations and universities and secondarily upon social media and veterinarians for information. Participants expressed strong interest in genetic testing for diversity and performance traits. Broadly across horse use categories, there was great concern for arthritis, colic/intestinal disease, laminitis, metabolic disorders, and tendon/ligament issues - all of which are complex genetic traits requiring collaborative efforts to discern levels of genetic involvement. Conclusions: Survey results highlighted the need for continued outreach and horse owner education, as well as further development of genetic testing tools to support informed decision-making in the equine industry.
Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2026-04-04 PubMed ID: 41941986DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105882Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
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Overview
- This research surveyed U.S. horse owners and enthusiasts to understand their knowledge, priorities, and sources of information about genetic testing in horses, aiming to guide future education and research efforts.
Background
- The S1094 USDA Multistate Research Project focuses on using equine genetics and genomics to improve horse health and breeding outcomes.
- The project provides genetic testing tools and educational resources to stakeholders in the equine industry.
Objectives
- To assess the understanding and attitudes of U.S. horse owners and enthusiasts towards genetic testing in horses.
- To identify key priorities regarding equine health and breeding from the stakeholder’s perspective.
- To determine sources of genetic information that stakeholders use and trust.
- To use findings to inform outreach programs and future research strategies aligned with industry needs.
Methods
- An online survey was distributed nationwide from March to October 2024.
- The survey targeted horse owners and enthusiasts across 44 states, with a total of 412 respondents completing it.
- Collected data included:
- Demographics of participants (age, location)
- Horse use categories (e.g., sport horse, stock horse)
- Sources of genetic information used by participants
- Participants’ interest in genetic testing and awareness of genetic health issues
- Data were analyzed to identify trends and priorities.
Results
- Demographics:
- Majority were horse owners.
- Most participants were aged 31-50 years (33.6%) and 51-70 years (33.3%).
- Horse use:
- Primary categories were sport horses and stock horses.
- Information sources:
- Participants felt confident about their genetics knowledge.
- Primary trusted sources were breed and discipline organizations as well as universities.
- Secondary sources included social media platforms and veterinarians.
- Genetic testing interests:
- There was strong interest in testing related to genetic diversity and performance traits.
- Health concerns:
- Key genetic health concerns across horse uses included:
- Arthritis
- Colic and intestinal diseases
- Laminitis
- Metabolic disorders
- Tendon and ligament issues
- These conditions are complex genetic traits requiring collaboration to understand genetic contributions effectively.
- Key genetic health concerns across horse uses included:
Conclusions
- The survey highlighted an ongoing need for enhanced education and outreach programs focused on equine genetics.
- Horse owners value access to reliable genetic information and tools to help make informed decisions about breeding and health management.
- Further development and refinement of genetic testing methods are essential to address complex genetic disorders in horses.
- The findings support the importance of collaborative efforts between researchers, veterinarians, breed organizations, and horse owners for advancing equine genetic health.
Cite This Article
APA
Mienaltowski MJ, Hernandez S, Nastrini E, Wickens CL, McCue ME, Rosa LP, Norton EM, McCoy AM, Brooks SA.
(2026).
United States stakeholder insights on genetic testing for equine health and breeding.
J Equine Vet Sci, 105882.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2026.105882 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. Electronic address: mjmienaltowski@ucdavis.edu.
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- Animal Sciences Department, University of Florida, Bldg 459, Shealy Drive, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, 225 VMC, 1365 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Long Island University, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville, NY, 11548, USA.
- School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, University of Arizona, 1117 E Lowell St, Room 222, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA; Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Mississippi State University, 240 Wise Center Drive, PO Box 6100, Mississippi, MS, 39762, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1008 W Hazelwood Dr, M/C 004, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA.
- Animal Sciences Department, University of Florida, Bldg 459, Shealy Drive, PO Box 110910, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA. Electronic address: samantha.brooks@ufl.edu.
Conflict of Interest Statement
Declaration of competing interest SH, EN, LPR, EMN, AMM, and CW have no conflicts. MJM’s spouse directs the University of California Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory; their spouse was not involved in the design, execution, or interpretation of the study. SAB advises Etalon Diagnostics. MEM receives income from PSSM1 genetic test sales; their university manages royalties received from genetic tests developed.
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