As a long-time horse owner, exhibitor, and new(ish) breeder, I’ve seen firsthand how genetics shape a horse’s performance, health, and overall characteristics. With a background spanning the Arabian, Quarter Horse, and Thoroughbred industries, I’ve always been drawn to the “why” behind what we see — and equine genetics have become one of my passions as a result.
Genetics might not influence everyone’s breeding decisions — and that’s okay — but they absolutely influence mine. My husband and I also live with the very real, day-to-day side of genetics through a horse we love dearly: he’s HYPP N/H and 24 years old now, and his management challenges have taught us a lot about responsible breeding, proactive testing, and informed care. If you’d like to read more about his story, you can find it here.
Today, advanced DNA testing makes it easier than ever to understand a horse’s genetic blueprint. From coat colours and health markers to hereditary traits, these insights are invaluable for breeders seeking to make strategic, informed decisions – and to breed the highest quality available.
Recently, I tested one of our mares, Evie ("Holy Chip Shes Good"), using Etalon’s Pro Package + Ancestry Bundle 2.0 – a comprehensive DNA test with a $329 USD retail value. Quick note for transparency: Etalon sponsored this portion of the story and gifted us the test so I could document the process and share the experience with our community; as always, the opinions and takeaways below are my own.
The reason I chose to test Evie is that she is, in the western pleasure market, a bit of an anomaly in that she is both dun and roan. On top of that, AQHA refuses to register her accurate to her true genetic makeup which caused frustration when getting her ARHA (American Roan Horse Association) papers. AQHA decided she should be registered as red dun only, which meant I had to have additional testing done to prove that she was indeed also roan. I also wanted to do a thorough comparison of the results I already had on-hand from UC Davis to see how the findings aligned. Why? Because we, and many others, have been privy to the dialogue on internet-based groups that discuss genetics and the labs available for testing (and opinions on them). I wanted to see how it went, what the process was like – and to share that information with our community.
Meet the Mare: Evie, A Genetic Gem
Evie, officially registered as Holy Chip Shes Good, is a 2020 Quarter Horse mare. Foaled on March 8, 2020, she is sired by Zips Goodbar Chip, a Canadian-based AQHA Superior western pleasure stallion, with a great number of talented foals in the region in which I live. Evie is out of Zippin Hot Time, a Superior western pleasure horse herself who I once showed with, as her owner had her at the same trainer that I had my horse at, back in 2011. The reason I bought Evie was specifically because of her dam, fondly known as Vanna, who I admired. Her movement and consistency in the pen, her level-headedness – being shown by amateurs, pros, and youth exhibitors alike are some of the things that made her special.
Evie embodies the elegance, conformation, and temperament that define a well-bred performance horse, albeit a bit taller than I had hoped her to finish out at. But beyond her physical traits lies a genetic foundation that makes her special.
Evie also has a solid pedigree, carrying greats such as Blazing Hot, Zippos Mr Good Bar, Zips Chocolate Chip, Zippo Pine Bar, Time To Zip It Up, Zippo Pat Bars, Dollie Pine, and countless others – though it’s not the whole picture. I wanted to dig deeper, beyond lineage, into the DNA that shapes her traits and her potential as a broodmare. Originally she was purchased as my next show horse, but – after coming up lame in her yearling year, after prepping for the longe line, we discovered via x-ray that she had fractured the growth plates in her left hock. So, we made our future plans a much earlier reality and started down the road of ensuring she was a viable broodmare option for us. That part of the story is another whole article of trials and tribulations.
For me, the roan gene was of particular interest, especially considering the new findings by Etalon allowing breeders to distinguish between roan variants. Understanding her genetic makeup could guide future breeding decisions and help shape the next generation of my program.
Why Testing Roan Variants Can be Helpful
Roan horses, with their signature blend of white and base-coloured hairs, are visually captivating, but their genetic story is even more intriguing. The RN gene controls the roan pattern, and testing reveals whether a horse carries one copy (heterozygous) or two copies (homozygous). For more information on heterozygous vs. homozygous, read our article that covers the topic in depth, here. This knowledge significantly influences breeding outcomes, allowing breeders to anticipate coat colours, reduce genetic uncertainty, and ensure healthier, more predictable foals. In Evie’s case, we already knew from UC Davis’ testing that she carries one copy of the roan gene (Rn/N), as well as one copy of true dun, and one of non-dun 1 (D/nd1).
Etalon’s Roan Testing: Beyond the Surface
Etalon’s testing goes beyond identifying whether a horse carries the roan gene, it provides clarity on the specific variant(s) the horse carries. Since roan is autosomal dominant, a heterozygous (a single copy) or homozygous (two copies) will express the gene in a way that provides no visual indication as to how many copies the horse carries. The only way to discern zygosity is by testing your horse with a lab.
Through the Pro Package + Ancestry Bundle 2.0, the report goes well beyond a single colour result and includes:
- 50+ health conditions and risk variants: A broad health panel designed to flag known genetic conditions and predispositions that may matter for breeding, long-term soundness, and management.
- 60+ coat colours, patterns, and white markings: A comprehensive colour/pattern breakdown that includes roan (and the newer roan traits) alongside other coat colour and white-pattern markers.
- Performance traits: A panel of performance-linked traits intended to add context around how a horse may be genetically predisposed (separate from training, nutrition, and environment).
- Height prediction traits: An additional layer of data that can be helpful when you’re planning matings with size targets in mind.
- Ancestry and breed composition tools: Features like Find-My-Herd and Horses Like Me to explore breed composition and genetic similarity.
- Genomic context: Metrics such as Genomic Inbreeding Value, Thoroughbred “blood” percentage, and an interactive PCA chart to help visualize where a horse clusters genetically.
- Build-A-Horse access: A tool designed to explore “what-if” outcomes for future foal planning using the genetic data in the platform.
For breeders, this type of full-picture testing can help you predict likely colour outcomes, reduce unpleasant surprises, and make more strategic decisions over time — especially when you’re building a program with specific goals in mind.
Evie’s Genetic Results: UC Davis vs. Etalon Diagnostics
Below is a clear comparison of Evie’s genetic test results from UC Davis and Etalon Diagnostics. UC Davis performed the initial colour genetics test, while Etalon later provided a comprehensive DNA analysis that included both colour traits and genetic health markers, as well as the added detail of what variant of roan that Evie carries.
| Trait / Gene Tested | UC Davis Result | Etalon Diagnostics Result | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extension (E gene) | e/e – Only red factor detected. | e/e (MC1R Red-Based) – Red (e) base coat. | Evie’s base coat is genetically red (chestnut/sorrel). She will always pass one “red” allele to her offspring. |
| Agouti (A) | a/a – No Agouti variants detected. | a/a (ASIP Negative) – No Agouti (A) variants detected. | Agouti controls black pigment distribution. Since Evie is red-based, the Agouti gene does not visually affect her colour. |
| Dun (TBX3) | D/nd1 – One copy of Dun dilution and one of non-dun1. | D/nd2 (Likely Affected) – One Dun allele detected. Also carries nd1/nd2 for non-dun primitive markings. | Dun lightens the base coat and can reveal primitive markings (dorsal stripe, leg barring). UC Davis listed nd1; Etalon’s system initially identified nd2 but later corrected it to nd1 after review. |
| Roan (RN) | Rn/N – One copy of classic Roan detected. | RN3/n (KIT-RN) – One Roan3 variant detected. | Evie carries one roan gene, giving her the characteristic intermix of white and coloured hairs. She has a 50% chance of passing it on. |
| Dominant White (W Series) | N/N – No W5, W10, W20, or W22 variants detected. | W35/n (KIT) – One “Holiday White” (W35) variant detected. | The W35 variant can cause white facial and leg markings or small body spots. Evie can pass this to offspring 50% of the time. |
| Equine Juvenile Spinocerebellar Ataxia (EJSCA) | N/N – No copies of the allele associated with EJSCA detected. | – | UC Davis tested for this and Evie was confirmed as negative. |
| Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency (GBED) | N/N – No copies detected. | n/n (GBE1) – Clear. | Evie is negative for GBED, meaning she cannot pass this recessive condition to offspring. |
| Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia (HERDA) | N/N – No copies detected. | n/n (PPIB) – Clear. | Evie is negative for HERDA, a genetic skin disorder. |
| Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP) | N/N – No copies detected. | n/n (SCN4A) – Clear. | Evie does not carry HYPP, a muscle disorder caused by excess potassium. |
| Myosin-Heavy Chain Myopathy (MYHM) | N/N – No copies detected. | n/n (MYH1) – Clear. | Evie tested normal for MYHM and is not predisposed to immune-mediated myopathy. |
| Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) | N/N – No copies detected. | n/n (RYR1) – Clear. | Evie does not carry MH, a disorder affecting muscle metabolism. |
| Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Type 1 (PSSM1) | N/N – No copies detected. | n/n (GYS1) – Clear. | Evie is negative for PSSM1, a metabolic muscle disease that affects glycogen storage. |
| Lethal White Overo (LWO) | N/N – No copies detected. | n/n (EDNRB) – Clear. | Evie does not carry the LWO gene, which can cause lethal white foal syndrome if two carriers are bred together. |
Summary of Findings
Evie’s genetic results from UC Davis and Etalon Diagnostics were very close to identical – and they did help give us a clearer picture of her coat colour and overall genetic health in that we learned two new things.
Etalon Diagnostics confirmed these main coat traits, confirmed what we knew about her disease panel status (8 panel negative), and added more detail. Though their initial report listed a slightly different non-dun allele (nd2), this was later corrected to match UC Davis (nd1). They also found a Dominant White 35 (W35) variant, which can create white markings on the face or legs, which could explain Evie’s large blaze and white feet. This is a dominant white gene that UC Davis does not test for at this time.
In addition to coat traits, Etalon tested for several genetic health conditions. Evie was clear for all conditions in their panel, including GBED, HERDA, HYPP, MYHM, MH, PSSM1, EJSCA, and OLWS – matching the results we already had from UC Davis.
Overall, both labs produced very consistent results for her coat colour. Etalon’s testing did provide extra information about her genes, as well as some proclivity tests such as KSS, WNVR, and EHMR, giving a complete view of Evie’s genetic profile.
Key Takeaways from Roan Testing
RN Gene Insight
- Heterozygous (Rn/N): Will express the roan pattern and will pass the trait on 50% of the time to offspring.
- Homozygous (Rn/Rn): Will express the roan pattern and pass on one copy of Roan (Rn) to 100% of offspring.
Predictive Value for Future Generations
Understanding a horse’s roan status provides insight into how this trait may appear in offspring. As Evie has one copy of Roan, she is heterozygous (Rn/N), and will pass the roan pattern on 50% of the time to her foals. This genetic knowledge helps breeders anticipate visual outcomes, understand inheritance patterns, and make informed decisions about long-term breeding strategies.
Consistency and Clarity in Breeding Decisions
Genetic testing removes uncertainty from visual assessments alone. Subtle roaning or seasonal colour changes can mimic roan but may not be genetically present. Confirmed results give breeders the confidence to plan, market, and register offspring accurately.
This broad perspective ensures that breeders consider the full genetic picture, not just coat colour.
Etalon Genetic Testing: Practical Insights for Strategic Breeding
While UC Davis has long been a leader in equine genetics, I wanted to explore how Etalon’s approach could add value to my breeding program. Their Pro Package + Ancestry Bundle 2.0 not only identifies coat traits like the specific roan variant, but also screens for over 20 genetic conditions, performance-linked genes, and detailed ancestry information, giving a comprehensive view of a horse’s genetic profile.
The testing process was simple and straightforward – quite similar to UC Davis. Collecting a small hair sample from Evie’s mane was easy, and results were delivered within four weeks. The report was detailed yet easy to interpret, featuring clear visuals and explanations that made Evie’s traits easy to understand.
Beyond just delivering results, Etalon’s testing provides practical insights that directly support strategic breeding decisions. Understanding a horse’s RN gene variant and other genetic traits allows breeders to:
- Plan matings to achieve desired coat colours and roan expression.
- Avoid pairings that could cause genetic risk.
- Maintain genetic diversity while promoting overall soundness.
Combined with the broader health, performance, and ancestry information provided in the Pro Package, these insights empower breeders to make informed, long-term decisions that balance both visual and functional goals.
A Constructive Experience
My experience with Etalon’s Pro Package + Ancestry Bundle 2.0 was both informative and practical. While there was a minor discrepancy in the Dun gene results, Etalon addressed it promptly, demonstrating professionalism.
The test confirmed Evie’s roan variant and provided a deeper understanding of her overall genetics, including health, performance traits, and proclivity for certain things. This testing package also provided me with new information with her being a carrier of W35, which was not something we knew prior to the test. This knowledge allows breeders like us to make thoughtful, strategic decisions, plan matings with confidence, and anticipate offspring traits more reliably.
Overall, I came away feeling informed and empowered in my breeding choices. For breeders looking for detailed genetic insights, ease of use, and thorough reporting, Etalon offers a comprehensive and practical solution.
