As we have been introduced with the practical application of Genetics in horse breeding, let us now tackle quite a bit more of the interesting factors and benefits that we have gained by plunging through this expansive study of horses.

Mainly (and most legally), genetics plays a huge role in horse breeding when it comes to parentage. Primarily to distinguish the crowning lineage of a foal or authenticate its legality, genetics offer the battery of tests to fill in the blanks (and provide them with scientific backing) when it comes to trying to determine either the lineage of a horse, or probable offspring upon matching two together.

Not limited to this of course, is the more extensive field of research - to hand us, or “key” in some relative passive traits onto the given offspring such as gaits, temperament, built, and color. But with all the religious followers and enthusiasts of horse racing and breeding, this “more” extensive field of study is no more than a taboo in the given field.

Dating back a few years, we have also learned to “clone” a horse – predominantly to offer a foal that could be used to benchmark the staggering differences and effects of nurture, training, and care within its active career. And as for the Olympics, future arrangements are on its way to allow these horses into the games.

Performance aside, genetics is also making its mark in the field of determining unique marks, color, and patterns in horses. As with the “more recent” buzz over social network sites, some horse labeled as the “most expensive”/ “most beautiful” horse earned its glimmering golden coat by identifying key markers on the genetics of its parents to produce to the specified coat color. The same can be done to allocate patterns on appaloosas, paint horses, and staging an “expected color” in horses sharing several variants.

Genetics have also shed light in rendering the transition of gaits in horses – this exciting new field has given us a relative knowledge to why some horses tend to provide a smoother ride compared to others. Getting to key in passive traits as such will enable horse racers to start up with foals – expected to deliver better performances in the race tracks.

On a practical standpoint, even with our great backing of the knowledge in horse genetics – the use of it is kept on a minimum. Mainly to deter hereditary diseases passed on to foals, or those specifically targeting passive deficiencies in them. But when it comes to improving their active performance, or targeting key traits, genetics is still at a standstill (and under wraps), probably for a great reason - to keep the passion flowing in the given field of interest.

Genetics may offer us a great window to the unknown when it comes to horse breeding and racing – but the genuine spirit of the “unknown” itself makes up the lot of "interest" in this field as well. It may take time to have science perfectly blend in with the age-old tradition, married into this wonderful hobby and sport. Until then, it’s still the “tradition” that keeps the love of it and fuels a lot of its enthusiasts.