Horse Welfare in Breeding Programs

Horse breeding for performance and appearance has created inherited health conditions that cause welfare problems across the industry.

Key Facts

HYPP in Quarter Horses, OLWS in Paints, and HERDA in cutting horses are genetic diseases driven by breeding practices
Warmblood horses bred for sport show elevated rates of osteochondrosis from rapid growth selection
DNA testing for known disease variants is available and can eliminate carrier-to-carrier breedings
Registry rules in some breed organizations still allow registration of horses with known disease genotypes
Welfare-conscious breeding programs prioritize health and soundness alongside performance traits

Welfare Considerations

Horse breeding welfare parallels the broader challenge of purebred companion animal welfare: selective breeding for performance and appearance has introduced genetic diseases that cause significant welfare harm. HYPP-affected horses experience episodic muscle weakness and can die from cardiac arrest during episodes. HERDA causes progressive skin fragility so severe that affected horses must be euthanized. These diseases are fully preventable through DNA testing and management of breeding decisions, yet persist because breed registries allow breeding of carrier horses and performance demand overrides health considerations in some sectors.

What You Can Do

Insist on DNA disease testing results before purchasing horses from breeds with known genetic conditions
Support breed organizations that require disease testing and restrict carrier-to-carrier breedings
Advocate for registry rule changes that restrict breeding of horses with known welfare-compromising genotypes
Learn about genetic diseases in specific horse breeds to make informed purchasing and breeding decisions