The Horse Genome Project is a cooperative international effort by over 100 scientists in 20 countries to define the genome, the DNA sequence, of the domestic horse. With this knowledge, scientists can begin to understand the genetic aspects of equine physiology and disease. Genetic tools have the potential to help researchers find new therapies and treatments for diseases such as laminitis, respiratory diseases, etc.

Some horsemen may worry that once the horse genome is sequenced, all the mystery and magic will be gone from horse breeding and ownership -- colorful characters around a racetrack replaced by colorless scientists with computer printouts and test tubes.  Fear not.  The study of the horse genome is more like studying the weather than inventing a sports car.  Consider the following. All our research on the weather has shown we can experience a sunny day in Florida knowing that a hurricane will arrive in two days, but we cannot change the hurricane.  Still the knowledge allows us to make choices; when the hurricane approaches we can abandon town or we can shore up our foundations.  Successful use of genomic tools will help the horse breeders, veterinarians and horse owners to do better what they already do… anticipate problems, predict outcomes and enjoy the unique interaction between horses and people.