Selective Breeding

SELECTIVE BREEDING- HORSES

Horse breeding is the process of using selective breeding to produce additional individuals of a given phenotype, that is, continuing a breed. Alternatively, a breeder could, using individuals of differing phenotypes, create a new breed, with specific characteristics.

Beyond phenotype (appearance and conformation) of horses, breeders aspire to improve physical performance abilities. This has led to the development of families or bloodlines within breeds that are specialists for excelling in specific events.

Another example would be show hunter horses that are bred to excel in events such as "Hunter Under Saddle," "English Pleasure," or "Hunter On The Flat." This event favours animals that are tall and leggy, who are able to trot and canter smoothly and efficiently while giving the equestrian a comfortable ride, and who have a naturally good jump with bascule and good form.

A show jumper, however, would be bred less for overall form and more for power over fences, speed, scope, and a general carefulness. This favours a lighter horse with a good galloping stride, a powerful and strong hind end, and a good shoulder angle and length of neck.

The male parent of a horse is commonly known as the sire and the female parent as the dam. The quality of the sire is regarded as more important than the quality of the mare in many circles. However, both are equally important, as each gives 50% of the genes. It may even be said that the mare is more important, as the foal often learns habits from its dam when young.

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