Why Breeders Should Genetic Test Their Foals

Genetic testing foals early provides valuable insight that supports health, management, and long-term success. Rather than waiting for issues to appear, DNA testing helps breeders act proactively!

Key Benefits of Genetic Testing Foals

Early identification of genetic health risks: Detect inherited disease risks before symptoms become life-threatening, allowing for faster veterinary intervention and management. Supports informed medical and nutritional care: Genetic results can guide feeding, training, and care decisions during critical growth stages. Confirms parentage and protects registration accuracy: Ensures correct pedigree records for breed registries, sales, and future breeding decisions. Improves long-term breeding and management planning: Identifies carrier status early so responsible decisions can be made later in life. Increases buyer confidence and foal value: Documented genetic results provide transparency and reassurance to future buyers.

Genetic testing saves lives!

One of Etalon’s clients, Steffanie Christensen, operates her own breeding program MHB Gypsies. Part of her protocol includes genetic testing all her mares, stallions, and foals with Etalon. One genetic test saved her foal from near fatal experience!

“MHB Little Golden Ember was born 30 days premature, did great for 2 weeks then fell very ill…

For 5 weeks I battled saving his life hour by hour until finally, normal antibiotics and medicines weren’t working anymore and he needed to be taken to the University. He was having seizures, and his muscles were all shaking and stiff. They wanted to run PSSM1, HYPP, and other muscle myopathy tests on him and I said 'Oh! I already have those through Etalon!' So I provided them with your test results and they were able to rule out any muscle myopathy issues, and immediately put him on a stronger treatment plan. Timing was everything in this life or death situation for my colt.

Over the next 10 days, his limbs loosened up and his mentality came back to being bright, alert and curious again. He responded great! He’s back home now and still in recovery, but getting better day by day.

They did MRI’s, bone scans, tested spinal fluid, and a liver biopsy, blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays and nothing came back. Nothing explained his symptoms of stiff muscles, and seizures which were brought on only by over-stimulation (if he tensed up while being handled, he would start shaking, and then fall down). His diagnosis was inconclusive… Later he was diagnosed with ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and premature idiopathic seizures, both of which can be side effects of premature birth. It is a miracle! And ironically, before any of this happened, we named this colt Phoenix!

Thanks Etalon for all you do!!” - Steffanie Christensen, Mini Gypsy Horse Breeder at MHB Gypsies

The Takeaway

Genetic testing foals isn’t just about gathering information — it’s about early action, prevention, and protection. Testing early can mean the difference between reacting to a crisis and preventing one. Test early, protect your foals, and strengthen your breeding program.

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