Horse Gaitedness: It’s in the Genes

Swedish researchers discovered that genetic makeup affects locomotion patterns in horses.
Share
Favorite
Close

No account yet? Register

ADVERTISEMENT

Common to all horses are four basic gaits: walk, trot, canter, and gallop. Gaited horses throughout the world, however, possess the ability to perform certain alternate forms of movement relative to their breed. A team of Swedish researchers discovered that genetic makeup affects locomotion patterns in horses, allowing for gaitedness through two separate effects: extra gait in some breeds and fast trot in harness racing horses.

Studying Icelandic horses using genome-wide association analysis and whole genome resequencing, the team determined that a genetic mutation facilitates the lateral gaits ambling and pacing. “We managed to identify a novel gene, DMRT3, which regulates the pattern of locomotion,” explained Lisa Andersson, PhD, of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, in Uppsala. “DMRT3 is specifically expressed in the spinal cord; we propose that the mutant variant somehow makes the spinal cord more flexible.”

The team concluded that homozygosity (possessing two identical forms of this gene, with one inherited from each parent) for the DMRT3 mutation is necessary for pacing. “Only Icelandic horses with two copies of the mutant gene variant can perform the two-beat lateral gait, flying pace,” explains Andersson.

The team noted this mutation is conducive to other gaits, such as ambling and pacing, in other gaited breeds besides the Icelandic. The mutation is also favorable for horses used in harness racing, as it allows them to trot at a higher speed before breaking into canter

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.

TheHorse.com is home to thousands of free articles about horse health care. In order to access some of our exclusive free content, you must be signed into TheHorse.com.

Start your free account today!

Already have an account?
and continue reading.

Share

Written by:

Freelance journalist Natalie DeFee Mendik is a multiple American Horse Publications editorial and graphics awards winner specializing in equestrian media. She holds an MA in English from Colorado State University and an International Federation of Journalists’ International press card, and is a member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists. With over three decades of horse experience, Natalie’s main equine interests are dressage and vaulting. Having lived and ridden in England, Switzerland, and various parts of the United States, Natalie currently resides in Colorado with her husband and two girls.

Related Articles

Stay on top of the most recent Horse Health news with

FREE weekly newsletters from TheHorse.com

Sponsored Content

Weekly Poll

sponsored by:

Where do you primarily feed your horse?
328 votes · 328 answers

Readers’ Most Popular

Sign In

Don’t have an account? Register for a FREE account here.

Need to update your account?

You need to be logged in to fill out this form

Create a free account with TheHorse.com!