On Dec. 12, 2018, the scientists behind the Horse Genome Project released scientific standards for genetic testing. The group’s first meeting to develop genetic tools to benefit the equine community was held in 1995.

The guidelines were a response, in part, to a rise in some commercially released genetic tests that lack published peer-reviewed results and data.  Historically, genetic tests for horses were primarily available through a university genetic laboratory, but as private companies have started to sell and market genetic tests for horses, the need to solidify standards has increased for the community.