How DNA Is Aiding In Therapy

Henry Wrinkles is now using the genetic panel at EtalonDX as part of it’s foundation program.

Here at the farm, we have found the best therapy horses tend to be homozygous for curiosity. In a nutshell, that means the horses carry two genes (one copy from Mom, and one from Dad). When breeding for any specific trait, it is important both parents have the gene so the offspring is homozygous. It ensures you get that trait. This is where our work with EtalonDx comes in.

When a horse is born at our farm we send its DNA to EtalonDX to find certain traits, such as the “gaited” trait in Appaloosas, or hereditary diseases and certain colorings. Every horse at the farm has its own personality sheet that rates its energy, curiosity and temperament levels. A low energy, high curiosity and good temperament horse is the perfect animal for our therapy program!

When EtalonDx finds those genes in a horse’s DNA, we then begin to bring out those characteristics. Just like an athlete can be born with talent, you still have to train him to make him the best athlete possible!