DNA Sample Collection Instructions

1. The genetic tests for horses are performed by extracting DNA from a hair sample collected from the animals mane and/or tail. To collect a sample of your horse, first make sure the horse is not wet when collecting a sample. A sample is collected by pulling 30-40 mane and/or tail hairs from a horse. It is important to pull the hairs and confirm that the actual root of the hair is attached. The root of the hair is what contains the genetic material of your horse. Therefore, hairs that break off or cut hairs do not provide an adequate sample of your horse. The mane hair of a foal can be very fine and not have much of a root for us to work with. When collecting a sample from a young foal, it is often better to collect the hair from the tail of the horse instead of the mane.
2. Once the hair has been collected, place the sample in a paper envelope that is labeled with the horse’s name. It is important that the hair sample is not wet. Moisture and warmth might give bacteria an opportunity to grow which could damage the DNA.
3. Download the DNA Testing form and complete the Owner Information and Horse Information blocks on the form for each horse being tested. Include DNA testing form and DNA sample with completed registration application to ATAA Registrar.