The Swedish Warmblood is a sport horse breed, valued for its performance, rideability, and temperament. To improve breeding, it is important to understand the genetic background of traits linked to sport performance. However, these traits are influenced by many genes, making them difficult to study. In this project, we analyzed the DNA of 380 young Swedish Warmblood horses, all evaluated by expert judges for conformation and free jumping ability. Using a haplotype-based genome-wide association study (GWAS), we grouped genetic markers into blocks (haplotypes) and tested their relationship with 36 traits. We found 11 genetic regions linked to 6 conformation traits: height at the withers, hoof quality, correctness of movement, and three free jumping traits (technique in the haunches, carefulness, and distance estimation). Within these regions, we identified 33 coding genes and several non-coding RNA genes that may play a role in defining horse performance. This haplotype-based approach gave novel insights into the genetic background of sport performance-related traits in horses. Future studies with more horses and advanced digital tools for measuring traits will help to further reveal the complex genetic basis of sport performance in horses.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.