As breeders, we share the same passion: breeding healthy, strong and sustainable horses for the future. With every breeding decision we make, we influence not only the foal of tomorrow, but also the long-term quality and health of our growing population.
During the General Members’ Meeting last April, we discussed distichiasis with our members, commonly referred to as a “double row of eyelashes.” In the meantime, several cases have come to light within our population. This underlines the importance of dealing with this issue carefully and responsibly, both as a studbook and as breeders.
Distichiasis is a hereditary eye condition in which additional hairs can grow from the edge of the eyelid. These hairs can irritate the eye and cause pain, inflammation and damage to the cornea. In severe cases, permanent damage to the eye may occur. The severity of the symptoms varies from horse to horse, and not every horse with a genetic predisposition will actually develop symptoms.
Fortunately, a DNA test is available to determine a horse’s genetic status. This test is carried out by Van Haeringen Laboratorium (VHL).
A carrier or affected horse does not necessarily show any symptoms, and it is not yet known exactly how this condition is inherited. It is therefore very important to test horses and to establish the extent to which this condition occurs within our population. We need your help to achieve this.
A call to stallion owners:
Although testing is currently not mandatory, we strongly encourage all stallion owners to have their stallion(s) tested voluntarily. Stallions can produce many offspring within a growing population and therefore have a significant influence on the spread of hereditary traits. Stallion owners are therefore expected to deal with the genetic status of their stallions carefully and transparently.
Would you like to have your stallion tested? Please contact the BPS office first and ask whether the office still has DNA material (hair) from your horse. This may save you additional costs. If new hair samples need to be collected, this must be done with a veterinarian’s statement.
A call to mare owners as well:
Responsible breeding is not solely the responsibility of stallion owners. We also encourage mare owners to be alert to possible abnormal eyelash growth or recurring eye problems in their mares and to consider having their mare genetically tested.
Only when the genetic status of both the stallion and the mare is known can a breeder make a fully informed breeding decision. At present, testing of mares is also voluntary.
Next steps towards the 2027 Stallion Inspection:
The Board intends that young stallions presented at the Stallion Inspection from 2027 onwards will, prior to the inspection, be tested for distichiasis in addition to the tests that are currently mandatory.
The exact conditions and the way in which the test results will be taken into account within the selection and breeding policy have not yet been definitively established. During the Members’ Meeting in November, we would like to discuss this further with our members and work together towards a carefully considered policy.
We understand that this subject may raise questions and possibly concerns. Our aim is not to unnecessarily exclude horses or to judge breeders. At the same time, as a studbook we cannot and do not want to avoid our responsibility. The BPS is committed to breeding healthy horses and to preventing hereditary conditions and unnecessary animal suffering as far as possible.
Every stallion and mare that is tested contributes to greater knowledge, increased transparency and better-informed breeding decisions. Only by taking responsibility together can we work towards a healthy and strong future for our population.
The Board of the Barock Pinto Studbook therefore sincerely hopes for your cooperation and involvement.
