DNA Testing (Parentage)
Profile/Parentage Verification
DNA Profile or Parentage Verification (where possible) is COMPULSORY for the following:
- Progeny resulting from an Embryo Transfer – Mares, Geldings & Stallions
- Progeny resulting from an Artificial Insemination – Mares, Geldings & Stallions
- Progeny of a Genetic Disorder Carrier – Mares & Stallions
- Registered ASH Broodmares used in an Embryo Transfer Program
- Stallions being Sire Registered
- Base Registry – Mare, Gelding & Stallion
- First Cross – Mares
- All Registrations from 1st October 2025
How to Collect the Sample
New Registration
- Submit Registration Application to the Society with payment of fees.
Existing Registration
- Registered Owner contact the Society with credit or debit card details.
- A DNA kit will be posted to owner. When the kit is received, the
OWNER and ADULT WITNESS need to verify identity of the
horse and collect hair sample - Follow instructions in kit. - Ensure 30-50 strands of tail or mane hair is collected
- Complete and sign the identification documentation
- Hair sent to LABORATORY
- Identification documentation to SOCIETY
If submitting semen or horse has recently passed away, contact the Society for Special Instructions.
Genetic Disorder Testing
Compulsory for Registration in the following categories:
- Base Registry - Mares (1 panel - Herda) & Stallions (6 panel – HERDA, OLWS, HYPP, PSSM1, GBED, MH)
- First Cross - Mares (Herda)
- Progeny of a Genetic Disorder Carrier - Mares & Stallions
- Stallions being Sire Registered - 6 panel – HERDA, OLWS, HYPP, PSSM1, GBED, MH
- Any horse may be tested for Genetic Disorders at the request of the owner.
Genetic Disorder Testing may not be required if both parents have been proven clear of the required Genetic Disorder with ASHS. Members are advised, compulsory Genetic Disorder Testing may become a requirement at any time (for any registration type) at the discretion of the Board.
What are the Disorders?
- HERDA (Hereditary Equine Regional Dermal Asthenia) - A severe skin blistering and lesions leading to secondary infections and early death.
- OLWS (Overo Lethal White Syndrome) - An inherited syndrome of foals born to parents of the overo coat pattern lineage.
- HYPP (Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis Disease) - A muscular disease caused by an inherited genetic mutation.
- PSSM1 (Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy) - A chronic exercise induced muscle breakdown.
- GBED (Glycogen Branching Enzyme Deficiency) - A metabolic genetic disease that is fatal in foetal and neonatal stages.
- MH (Malignant Hyperthermia) - Disorder of skeletal muscle leading to tying up, elevated body temperature and adverse reactions to anaesthetic.