Sex Selection in Equines

This blog is intended to be an extension of a post we put up on Facebook recently that concerns the relatively new technology of sex selection in horse breeding. While I certainly do not claim to be any kind of expert in breeding, or in science for that matter, I thought that I could expand on a few interesting points that were brought up by some of our loyal Equine Chronicle followers. 

            With the introduction of any new scientific procedure, especially one concerning genetics, there will always be questions raised about its supposed benefits and possible detriments.

            Some experts claim that utilizing sex selection when breeding horses may help to eliminate gender specific diseases, or conditions that are more prevalent in either mares or stallions. Could this help to “breed out” conditions like endometriosis in mares or cryptorchidism in stallions? Or is this simply a justification for breeding to get the more profitable gender?

Is this the same thing as saying we should decrease the number of human females to lower the incidence of breast cancer, or decrease the number of males to lower the incidence of red-green color blindness? Or can these comparisons not be made between the human species and an animal species?

Over a long period of time, could this lead to an overpopulation of one sex? Could this reduce genetic diversity leading to a less disease-resistant generation of horses? Or will the high cost of the procedure and extensive regulation control for all of these concerns?

As far as ethical concerns go, some people have expressed that this technology circumvents natural selection and in essence “goes against” the will of God/Nature. With all religious implications set aside, should we as a community, have the power to select which gender we want when breeding animals? If this is something that is going to permitted in equine breeding, should it be allowed in human reproduction as well?

Other aspects to consider are the implications this may have on different breeds within the horse world. In the Thoroughbred racing scene, stallions are generally eligible to compete for higher purses, have more lucrative breeding opportunities and chances for syndication. On the other hand, in the cutting and pleasure horse arena, there seems to be a large number of standing studs, therefore owning a quality mare might be more advantageous. Could breeds become gender-specific, or is that something that would never actually happen?

While I may have raised more questions than I have answered, one thing remains clear. There are a lot of variables to consider before you decide for yourself whether or not sex selection will be beneficial or detrimental to the horse industry.

Scientific Study of Saddle Fit at New Mexico State University

 The Agricultural Marketing group at New Mexico State University has undertaken the first scientific saddle fit study of western performance saddles.
The group will utilize new technology in the form of a force sensor array (FSA) pressure pad to analyze how a saddle applies pressure to the back of a horse. Different levels of pressure will be shown in different colors and in three dimensions.

The focus of the study is on barrel and roping saddles, but the results are applicable to all types of western saddles.

Using this latest innovation in saddle fit diagnosis, New Mexico State University students are examining all aspects of saddle fit, including how both movement and padding affect the distribution of weight across the back of a horse.

The results from examining several hundred horse and rider participants are currently being scanned and catalogued. The group plans to release the results of the study sometime in January. The group is hoping the study will provide new insights into horse and rider comfort and health, as well as challenge some traditional ideas on ways to improve saddle fit.

For information or to access to the results, contact Bill Gorman at New Mexico State University, wigorman@nmsu.edu, or dave@specializedsaddles.com.

Calling All Equine Artists

 If you have a talent with a paintbrush and a flair for depicting the natural beauty of the American Paint Horse, then you should consider applying to be the APHA 2010 World Show artist. But don’t waste any time, because the deadline for all submissions is January 22, 2010.

            The winning artist will receive $1,000, a booth to display their work in at the show and their finished artwork will appear as the cover of the World Show program for both shows. In addition, their artwork will be reproduced as a commemorative fine art print that will be available for purchase.

            If you attended the APHA Fall World Championship, you probably saw the artwork of the 2009 winner, Linda Massey of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. Her finished piece was a two-part mural depicting Paint Horses competing in different disciplines like Western Pleasure, Trail, Halter and Jumping.

            APHA Art Director Art Vasquez describes what the association is looking for in the next World Show artist. “We need an artist who can convey the communication we share with the American Paint Horse in their art, from the alert eyes and ears of a proud stallion, to the calm and willing demeanor of a show horse.”

            To enter a piece of artwork or portfolio into the contest, all artists must include their name, contact information, art media used and dimensions of the final artwork. Any digital submissions smaller than 3 MB may be e-mailed to Patricia Hellam at phellam@apha.com Non-digital submissions should be mailed to American Paint Horse Association, Attn: Patricia Hellam, P.O. Box 961023, Fort Worth, Texas 76161.

            The winning artist will be notified on February 5th and any mailed submissions will be returned. The final artwork will be due April 16^th.

APHA World Show Wrap-up

For those of you who haven’t been able to keep up with the real-time results we’ve been posting on Facebook, I thought I would give everyone a little wrap-up of a few highlights from the APHA World Show.

            At the end of the first ever Fall World Championship Paint Horse Show, APHA named 127 World Champions and awarded over $450,000 in cash and prizes.

            While every World, Reserve World Championship and top ten title earned is an achievement to be proud of, there were a few exhibitors whose performance is worth extra notice.

            In the halter horse scene, Clint Fullerton accumulated a very impressive 16 World/Reserve world titles with horses like Shes Somthin Sexy, Far Too Fancy and Dee Dee Delicious.

            Mike Short made a clean sweep in the pleasure driving by winning the Junior with Mr. Cool All The Time and the Senior with Ultimate Bonanza.

            Susan Wilson was named both World and Reserve World Champion in the Masters Amateur Trail with her two horses, Predictably Perfect and Real Groovy respectively.

            Mike Hachtel won the Senior Western pleasure with Hot Lips Cookie, the 2-year-old Western Pleasure with Scenic Ocean Drive and was Reserve in the Junior Western Pleasure with Sensational Lollipop.

Sara Simons was Reserve in the 2-year-old Western Pleasure with Miss Texas Sensation, World Champion in the Junior Western Riding with One Flashy Sensation and Reserve in the Senior Western Riding with Mystical Machine. 

The Gillespie barn won approximately 10 buckles in various hunter under saddle and Novice Amateur classes. Shannon almost made a full sweep in the hunt seat by winning the Senior Hunter Under Saddle with In A New York Minute, the 3-year-old challenge with Must Be A Dream, and the 2-year-old Hunter under Saddle with Guitar Hero.

At the end of the Amateur portion of the show, Chelsea Bain took home the All-around Classic Amateur title with Sensational Blonde and Casey Hicks was Reserve with Strait Ole Paint. Capturing the Masters Amateur All-around was Susan Wilson with Predictably Perfect and Reserve was Dr. Kelli Foster with Fleet’s Serenity. In the Novice Amateur All-around, Shannon Sullenberger won with Jettn Champagne Chex and Melissa Haberkorn was Reserve with VR Knock Your Socks Off.

In the Open All-around, Ill Be Sensational was the Highpoint English horse, Super Gelding and Highpoint overall horse.

I also have to give a little shout out to my own horse, Its All Bhindthe Zipr. Together we won the Classic Amateur Hunt Seat Equitation and the first ever Hart Non-pro Versatility Challenge. Theo is looking forward to riding around town in his new trailer!

            Congratulations to everyone who participated at the Fall World Championship Paint Horse show.