Comparative Analysis with Other Breeds

How Do Genes Work in Other Breeds?

Table 1 (Petersen et al. 2013)

The American Quarter Horse is widely known for its ability to sprint 1/2 a mile. Gaited horse breeds, for example, the Icelandic and Saddlebred, have different movement patterns than the QH. This all links back to genes.

Many breeds have different genes that affect their conformation and are more fit for the job they're bred for. For example, gaited breeds. These horses do not have the normal trot like those without this gene. These horses pace, and as a result, their footwork looks a lot different. These gaited horses move their feet independently of each other, while horses who lack this gene either move two or three hooves at the same time.

Gaited Breeds: DMRT3 or the "Gait-Keeper Gene"

Peruvian Paso
Puerto Rican Paso
Saddlebred
Tennessee Walking Horse
Icelandic

DMRT3 is inherited and determined if they have one, two, or three copies of the gene determines their breed (Kentucky Research Staff. 2015). The DMRT3 gene is a genetic mutation, that was discovered when an ancient equine breed did not have it. This gene mutation must've occurred recently in the horse's evolutionary history, suggesting the gaited breeds might be newer than non-gaited breeds under evolution (Etalon Genetics. 2024). Quarter Horses, on the other hand, are not a gaited breed. A study done examining this gene showed that there was about a 2.5% frequency of this gene appearing in the AQH (Pereira, G.L., et al. 2015.).

Gaited Breeds not only Move Differently, but they Look Different Too!

Saddlebred:

Five Gaits: Walk, Trot, Canter, Slow-Gait, and Rack.

Paso Fino:

Three Gaits: Classic Fino, Paso Corto, and Paso Largo.

Tennessee Walking Horse:

Three Gaits: Flat-Foot Walk, Running Walk, and Canter.

Icelandic:

Five Gaits: Walk, Trot, Canter, Tolt, and Skeið (Flying Pace).

Notice their legs, and how they appear to move! Their footwork has a higher set than the long and low Quarter Horses.

Disciplines of the Gaited Equine

Halter

Halter is a type of show class where the horses are shown "in hand" and not ridden. The horses are judged on their movement and their conformation. Gaited horses are specifically bred for their movement, so in competition, this is what judges look for.

Pleasure Driving

Pleasure driving is a competitive discipline where the horse is attached to a cart and they pull their rider behind them. These horses and riders compete by essentially "driving" the rider from Point A to Point B. Gaited horses are also more commonly found in this discipline.

Gaited Dressage

Dressage is a riding discipline gaited horses are more commonly found in due their fluid footwork. The horse is judged based on movement and the rider is judged on their position and control of the horse all while following a specific pattern.

Gaited vs. Non-Gaited

Here's a video showing the difference between a gaited breed and a non-gaited breed. As you can see, their movement and pace are completely different.

Icelandic's Gaits

These gaits are unique to this breed, but the DMRT3 gene influences the way this horse moves.

Common Genetic Diseases of Gaited Horses

Like most equine species, gaited horses are suseptible to genetic disesases and disorders due to being selectively bred. Here a are a few examples of genetic diseases in these gaited equines.

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa is a skin disorder found in American Saddlebreds. Foals who have this disorder are typically born alive, but are easily exposed to infections and frequently get sick. Horses born with this disorder have a high mortality rates (Cochran. 2023).

Equine Recurrent Uveitis (Moon Blindness)

Moon Blindness is the most common cause of blindness in horses. Icelandic horses are genetically predisposed to this disease (Cochran. 2023). Horses with Moon Blindness experience inflammation in the uveal tract of the eye, and begin going blind (Leatherdale Equine Center. 2024).

Congenital Stationary Night Blindness

Congenital Stationary Night Blindness is a rare genetic disorder in which horses cannot see as well in low-light conditions (Cochran. 2023). Gaited breeds affected by this disorder are Tennessee Walking Horses, and Missouri Fox Trotters.

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