genetics - Good Horse

What is the difference between a dun and a buckskin?

April 26, 2020April 26, 2020 colour genetics, genetics, horse colour, horse colours

Do you know if your horse is really dun or buckskin? Learn why there’s a difference and how you can tell.

Introduction to Genetics, Case Study 2: Lethal white and frame overo

June 13, 2019December 2, 2020 colour genetics, genetics, health, horse colour

How is a pretty white patch on a horse’s side linked to a deadly genetic condition? Discover the sinister side of the allele responsible for frame overo.

Introduction to Genetics, Case Study 1: Tortoiseshell cat colour

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 chimerism, colour genetics, genetics, inheritance

Are you female? If so, you are a mosaic of X chromosomes! Learn how tortoiseshell cats reveal the fascinating phenomenon of X-inactivation.

Introduction to Genetics 6: Inheritance and variation

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 genetics, inheritance

How are genes shuffled together in sexual reproduction? Evolution produced a more intricate process than simply mixing everything up!

Chestnut tobiano and bay ponies mutually grooming in a green pasture in front of a stone building

Introduction to Genetics 5: Backup copies and chromosome pairs

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 genetics, inheritance

Small changes to a single gene can mean the difference between life and death. It is a good job we have backup copies!

a chestnut mare standing next to her foal

Introduction to Genetics 4: From recipes to organisms

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 genetics, inheritance

Why haven’t we found a single gene for intelligence? The relationship between genes, proteins and ponies is exciting and complex!

Introduction to Genetics 3: Reading DNA recipes

June 13, 2019June 16, 2019 genetics

What is involved in reading a gene? Discover how small changes in DNA produce so much variety!

Introduction to Genetics 2: Writing down genetic recipes

June 13, 2019June 16, 2019 genetics

If genes are like recipes what language are they written in? How does DNA encode information and what exactly is a gene?

Introduction to Genetics 1: Genes are like recipes for blueberry muffins!

June 13, 2019June 13, 2019 genetics

Is there really a gene for intelligence? Are identical twins truly identical? Find out the answers and more with our Introduction to Genetics series!

Maybe she’s born with it: 5 incredible facts about gaited horses!

October 5, 2018October 5, 2018 genetics, breed, biomechanics

Can your horse do the running walk, paso largo, marcha picada, tölt, singlefoot, rack or pace? Gaited horses break the mould when it comes to getting around!

Contentious colour: three terms that spark debate

June 23, 2017November 8, 2020 genetics, horse colours

Differences in how we use terminology can be the source of heated debate. Here are just a few colour terms that cause arguments!

Introduction to: Appaloosa Patterns & Genetics

May 27, 2017October 25, 2017 colour genetics, genetics

The human fascination with spotted horses goes back thousands of years. What causes these striking markings, and are you familiar with their many forms?

Introduction to Evolution – Part 1: The Basics

February 23, 2017October 20, 2017 genetics, evolution

Evolution underpins all of modern biology. From spooking to ulcers, understanding evolution helps you make sense of your horse. This article covers the basics.

Black and white Border Collie lying on straw

Is your horse a danger to your dog?

February 4, 2017March 7, 2017 care, genetics, health, vet

A lot of people who have horses also own dogs and enjoy taking their dogs with them to the yard.

In-depth Genetics: Shades of Grey

April 17, 2016January 15, 2017 genetics, grey, horse colours, melanoma

Calling a ‘white’ horse “grey” is not just a way for us horsey folks to show off! Find out why horses go grey and the link between colour and cancer.

In-depth Genetics: Chimeras and other monsters

December 7, 2015October 27, 2017 chimera, chimerism, colour, genetics

Chimerism is the result of the fusion of twins in the womb. Find out how you can tell if you or your horse are legendary mosaic ‘monsters’!

In-depth Genetics: What determines a horse’s colour?

December 7, 2015November 19, 2020 agouti, bay, black, brown

Ever wonder what makes a horse a particular colour? Find out about the biological underpinnings of the basic coat colours: bay/brown, black and chestnut.