The Impact of Genetics on sport horse performance: What research reveals

Is a sport horse’s success written in its genes? A recent study focusing on French equestrian competitions sheds light on this question, offering valuable insights into how genetics influence performance in dressage, eventing, and show jumping. Let’s explore the key findings and their implications for horse enthusiasts, breeders, and investors.

Understanding Genetic Parameters: Repeatability and Heritability

The study analyzed two crucial genetic parameters:

• Repeatability (r): This measures how consistent a horse’s performance is year after year. With high values ranging from 0.46 to 0.56 across all three disciplines, this indicates that some horses maintain stable performance levels regardless of the season.

• Heritability (h²): This measures the extent to which genetic factors account for variations in performance. The findings vary by discipline:

  • Dressage: h² close to 0, suggesting minimal genetic influence.

  • CCE and CSO: h² between 0.15 and 0.19, indicating moderate but actionable genetic influence.

Mixed Prospects for Genetic Selection

Heritability is critical for selection: the higher it is, the more effective genetic selection becomes in improving performance over generations.

CCE and CSO: Moderate heritability values provide opportunities for genetic selection, albeit with slower progress. Strategic breeding can refine performance traits over time.

Selection Indices: Tools for Predicting Genetic Potential

The study highlights practical tools for evaluating a horse’s genetic potential:

• Individual indices for mares, based on their own performance records.

• Offspring-based indices for stallions, incorporating the achievements of their descendants.

These indices provide breeders and investors with data-driven insights to make informed decisions and optimize outcomes.

Show Jumping stands out with high selection efficiency

Among the disciplines, show jumping demonstrates the most promising results, with selection efficiency estimated at 85%. This underscores the discipline’s potential to leverage genetics for performance enhancement through careful breeding strategies.

Investment and performance: A strategic perspective

For sport horse investors, this research highlights the importance of integrating genetic considerations into decision-making. While training, care, and management remain critical, genetic indices add a scientific layer to mitigate risks and maximize returns.

In summary, genetics offers valuable opportunities to enhance sport horse performance, particularly in eventing and show jumping. However, environmental factors remain key to unlocking a horse’s full potential.