Literature Review

Genetics plays a very large role in horse behavior and development. So says Temple Grandin (Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University) in his book Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals. Throughout his work, Grandin explores the process of domesticating animals and their resulting behavior. In the section of his book devoted specifically to equines, he compares the various factors that influence their development and behavior, including genetics and the environment.

Depending on a horse’s lineage, it will inherit certain characteristics and traits, including physical morphology, ability, behavior trends, and temperament. This is why great care and thought are put into breeding a horse; the product of two mated horses is directly reflective of its parents, just as with humans. For example, one would obviously not breed a Draught Horse with a Welsh Pony in hopes of producing a racehorse. More likely, a pair of Thoroughbreds would be selected as the parents.

Genetics, however, are somewhat limited by another important factor: environment. A horse’s surroundings as he grows and matures will largely dictate what his personality and abilities are. Even though a horse may inherit certain traits, those traits can be "turned off" or "covered" if his environment does not make room for them. For example, if a racehorse is brought up on a countryside farm for the sole use of pleasure riding, he will not be able to exercise his full potential as a racehorse. The ability he inherited from his genes will remain, but unless he is trained as a racehorse, he will not know how to use that ability. If those genes are not cultivated and allowed to grow, they will not necessarily be “expressed.” (Grandin, 1998.) They will remain suppressed and unused. So it is important to consider the surroundings provided for domesticated equines.

What I want to know of the Equestrian Club members is this: For the type of riding they do, which factors influence their choice of breeds? Do they look to such factors as genetics and environment, or do they choose to ride random breeds whose traits have not been fully expressed? In their experience, does it affect their performances in a noticeable way, or does it not matter?