Pedigree Theory and Balanced Breeding – Introduction for Horse Breeders
Why use Pedigree Theory
Pedigree theory and balanced breeding principles are valuable tools to help breed better horses. Breeders can learn to evaluate pedigrees and plan genetically compatible matings for each mare to reach their goals. It allows for strategic planning, long term mating decisions based on research, and thinking in generations. Breeding will always be unpredictable, mistakes will be made, and there will always be crosses that do not work – but we can improve the odds of breeding elite sport horses and definately top breeding stock. Until technology is able to identify and trace certain genes and modes of inheritance, the best map we have of a horse’s genetic makeup is the pedigree.
There are very few in the world that have researched warmblood pedigrees in this way – made more difficult by a general lack of information on how to interpret and analyse pedigrees, as well as lack of a complete and accurate database. Reading pedigrees is a learned skill, not a natural talent, and many breeders simply do not know how to decipher what they are looking at. This is difficult and technical work, it takes dedication and time to recognise various factors in pedigrees and become proficient in determining patterns, much like the investment of time in learning to ride a horse.
Pedigree theory does not surpass conformation, temperament and soundness – a horse with a beautifully constructed pedigree will not compensate for poor conformation, unwillingness to work or unsoundness. All these factors are equally important and should stand together when evaluating any horse. When combined with these fundamentals, pedigree theory becomes a powerful additional tool. This is called Balanced Breeding.
Balanced breeding principles and pedigree theory expand on the age-old techniques of inbreeding, linebreeding and outcrossing – and takes them to a new level. It gives breeders tools and a framework to build genetic potency into their horses , and clearly shows how and when to use the outcross mating for maximum effectiveness. It teaches us how to design matings so desired ancestors are in key positions in the pedigree, how to strengthen certain traits, how to sex balance bloodlines, and find the genetic dominance in the background of the pedigree and linebreed to that power.
Pedigree theory can help breeders achieve their breeding goals – whether that is breeding a GP dressage horse, a GP show jumper, an eventer, a herd of broodmares or simply a better quality riding horse. It can be used to upgrade the athleticism, sport ability and quality of foals.
Understanding the genetic makeup of a horse helps breeders make more targeted and informed breeding decisions for both mares and stallions.
It can also help buyers understand and predict the theoretical genetic potential of a horse, and in deciding which horse to buy or invest in.
It can be used to determine which stallions to buy, based on the genetics of your own mares and those of your client base.
It can help predict which foals or horses are best to buy based on your goals and intended purpose.
It shows breeders how to use the great horses of today and yesterday as a road map for constructing matings, and how to use the same successful patterns and gene groupings to our advantage.
It helps breeders plan for future generations and gives the opportunity to build in or tap into powerful mare families with superior mitochondrial DNA and valuable sex linked genes. It adds a very exciting dimension to breeding – to see a foal that is genuinely the result of months of careful planning is incredibly rewarding.
The answers to many of the questions below started to become clearer with more study into pedigree theory. Breeders can learn the answers to these questions and make more informed decisions by learning to evaluate pedigrees using balanced breeding principles and pedigree theory – the purpose of this website.