How to Collect Horse DNA

There are many reasons a horse owner may need to collect DNA on their horse. Some horses are tested to see if they carry genetic diseases such as HERDA. Others collect DNA to determine parentage or to run a color test on their horse. I highly recommend that if you breed horses, you pull a hair sample from each horse and put it in a labeled plastic baggie. If the horse should suddenly die, you have a DNA sample should you need it later.

There are some animal genetic testing facilities popping up on the internet that promise fast results for a very cheap price. Most of these are located overseas. Be very leery of using these companies. They are not bound by the same laws and regulations that DNA genetic testing facilities in the United States are governed by. Their DNA tests have been found to be incorrect many times. I prefer Animal Genetics as you can have your DNA results emailed to you in as little as two days after they receive the test. Within a week they will mail you the hard copy of your horse's DNA results.

Collect the Hair Sample

The hair sample must be collected from a completely dry horse. I have found that it is much easier to collect the hair sample from the horse's tail verses the horse's mane. This is less painful for the horse than mane hair and easier to grasp. This is especially true for collecting DNA for foals. You need at least 30 to 40 hairs with the root ball attached. Tie the horse up or have a helper hold the horse's lead rope. Gather up a good portion of tail hair at the top of the horse's tail. Wrap it around your index finger and grasp firmly. Give a quick pop and pull the hair. Once you have pulled the hair sample, do not touch the root balls or you will have contaminated the DNA. If this happens - discard the sample and pull a new one.

Bag the Sample

Carefully insert the horse hair into a plastic baggie and close the bag. Label the plastic bag with the horse's registered name. Be sure you do not touch the root balls while placing the hair in the plastic baggie.

Forms

Fill out the genetic testing form completely with your name and address, the horse's registered name and the horse's sire and dam. Mail the sample, form and payment to the genetic testing facility of your choice.