So I thought I would have some fun and send a hair sample from my gelding to the Texas A&M genetics lab. He is a rescue so we do not have a definite answer to his breeding, but we were confident that he was either an Appendix or Thoroughbred. I got the results back and its saying Morgan as the main breed
I'm not sure if the test is very accurate, but does anyone see Morgan in him at all?
(Pics are from 15 months- 3 years old)
It said Puerto Rican paso fino and Tennessee walker, which I know for sure can't be true. There is no gaited movement in this horse at all. From what I read on their website though, the 2nd and 3rd breed is just what the system picks up but doesn't necessarily mean your horse is either. It took about 3 weeks total to receive the results
He could have gaited ancestors but didn't inherit the gaiting gene that was recently discovered. Even some purebred TWH's don't perform the signature gaits. Others will have the signature gaits and a few others too.
I can see some Morgan in him. Remember Morgans come in different conformations since they were original a mix of established breeds along with the stallion Justin Morgan---some are even gaited.
Went back to look at the pics and found some of another friend with her Paso Fino and from the neck up he looks just like Paccho (the Paso). Now I miss Tx.
I can see Morgan and Paso in there. I'm not surprised by your results. Remember, having a gaited breed in the lines doesn't guarantee a gaited horse. Some horses in a typically gaited breed are born not gaited at all. Ahh, the mystery of genetics.
I spoke with an old friend that used to breed and show Morgans and she believes that Morgan X is a possibility. Everyone else at the barn is still going for Appendix or TB. This is kind of funny since before I adopted him I originally planned on going for a Morgan. They are one of my favorites. I guess we will never know for sure.
Here are more recent pics within the last few months
I would have never guessed those three breeds, but I can see them! He's got the angular-ness over his topline of a more modern TWH, something about his underline/round muscles makes me think Paso, and there's the Morgan-ness too.
It'll be neat to see how he matures! I hope you keep us updated
He's about 15.2-15.3. He has an interesting build. His hindquarters are fairly large and he has a thick neck & shoulders, but then he is also narrow chested which will hopefully change as he ages.
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