NRHA Educational Webinar:
The Role of Equine Genetics in Reining
With Christa Lafayette

General Questions
 
What is genetic testing, and why should I consider it for my reining horses?
Genetic testing analyzes your horse’s DNA to identify traits including health risks, health conditions, coat colors and performance (like myostatin/speed). It helps owners, breeders & trainers make informed decisions, increasing the success of their programs.

How does your ancestry differ from other tests I’ve seen?
Unlike traditional tests that only confirm your horse’s “breed,” our ancestry testing provides a comprehensive breakdown of your horse’s genetics and how they compare with others within their breed and/or discipline. Using broader “umbrella” categories, we identify common and overlapping genes that your horse shares with others globally.

Our analysis includes detailed insights such as Thoroughbred "blood" percentage, genomic inbreeding values, heterozygosity (genetic diversity), and features like “Horses Like Me” (genetically similar but not necessarily related) and “Find My Herd” (1st–3rd degree relatives). These results give you a deeper understanding of your horse’s genetic heritage, helping you uncover who they truly are and what they’re best suited for.

Is this testing mandatory for Sire & Dam participants?
No, testing is completely optional. However, it’s an exclusive benefit offered at a discount to NRHA members, as the organization feels it is a valuable tool.

How will genetic testing benefit my breeding program?
By understanding your horse’s genetic traits, you can select pairings that reduce the risk of inherited conditions, reduce inbreeding, and improve the likelihood of producing healthy, competitive reining horses. Using our Build-A-Horse program, you can view the potential foal outcomes of your selected matches, using your horses, or those that have been made public by their owners. This allows you to select the match that creates the ideal foal for you or your clients.

I don't breed, so why should I test?
Understanding a horses genetic profile is as important for owners and trainers as it is for breeders. For example, knowing health risks may help us take proactive and preventative measures that could save us time, money and heartache in the future. On the other hand, breed composition and performance insights may help us make discipline, suitability and training decisions. 

Process & Logistics

What’s involved in collecting a sample? How long does it take?
Collecting a sample is simple—just pull 30-40 mane or tail hairs, keeping the root intact.

How do I submit a hair sample for testing?
Once you purchase & activate your code, you'll follow the steps to print your sample submission form. Then, pull the sample and mail it back to us with your form.

How long does it take to get the test results back?
Results are typically ready within 7-10 business days from when we receive your sample. Need it faster? Please inquire about our expedited services

Confidentiality & Privacy

Are my test results confidential? Who will have access to them?
Yes. Your results—your data! Testing results are completely confidential and entirely yours, unless you choose to share them with others or grant your association permission to access them by deliberately choosing an "association" package (wherein it will include the service to share your results with your association). You can also decide to make your profile partially public, such as health-only, or ancestry-only or keep it all private at any time. Sharing a horse profile can be valuable if you are looking to breed or sell your horse, as we offer tags such as frozen semen, embryos offered, stallion standing, sale, lease, etc. for your advertising purposes.

Can I share my results with buyers or other breeders?
Absolutely! Sharing results can help demonstrate the value of your horse’s genetics and provide transparency to potential buyers or breeders. If your horse’s profile is public, others can view it & contact you directly through Etalon’s interactive platform. This includes frozen semen opportunities, stallions standing at stud, recipient mares, and even sale horses. If you choose to keep your profile private, you can simply save a customized PDF or print it out and provide it to potential buyers/clients.

Results & Applications

How can I use the results to improve my breeding program?
Use the results to match horses with compatible traits while avoiding passing on or combining undesirable traits. This will help you focus on producing healthy, competitive offspring across multiple generations and disciplines. You can easily view this information by utilizing our interactive platform, and by predicting foal outcomes with our Build-A-Horse program.

What if the results show an undesirable trait—what should I do?
Knowing about undesirable traits helps you plan breeding & training decisions carefully to minimize risks and improve outcomes in future generations. Knowledge is power, and by using these genetic insights, you can proactively manage your horse’s health and performance.

Science & Trust

How accurate are the test results?
This platform uses advanced, scientific, and highly accurate methods to ensure reliability in identifying genetic traits and risks.

Who analyzes the samples, and what makes this testing trustworthy?
Your samples are analyzed by experts in equine genetics using state-of-the-art technology. We implement quality control methods at every stage of the process, from DNA extraction and sequencing to final review of data, ensuring results that you can trust.

Is this testing backed by scientific research?
Yes! Etalon does NOT offer any test that has not been published in a peer-reviewed, scientific journal. Our in-house team works with some of the industry's top veterinarians, trainers, breeders and scientists, ensuring our research and validation is continuously updated and our testing remains current & relevant. As a bonus, we collaborate with the most important expert—the person who knows and understands the horse best: you.

Impact on Reining

How does this testing help ensure the future of competitive reining horses?
By identifying and promoting healthy genetics, we can produce stronger, more competitive horses while preserving the integrity of the sport. 

Will genetic testing affect the tradition and heritage of reining horses?
This test enhances what breeders already do—carefully selecting and pairing horses—by adding a layer of knowledge to support the tradition.

What’s the connection between genetic testing and the NRHA Sire & Dam Program?
As a sponsor of the Sire & Dam Program, we’re proud to offer discounted testing to NRHA members. This provides breeders and owners with an added tool to not only maintain, but increase the excellence of reining horses.