Do Equine Genetics Influence Behavior?

Q: How much do genetics play a role in my horse’s behavior?

A: In very simplified terms, heritability is the amount of difference in an observable trait that can be explained by genetic variation, as opposed to environmental and other influences. So you can see right away the problem we can have with discussing genetics and heritability of behaviors or temperaments in horses: the environmental differences in how horses are raised and handled can be so huge and are incredibly important in how behavior is expressed.