Currently, the athletic performance and longevity of show jumping horses have garnered significant attention due to their economic and biological importance in the livestock breeding and equestrian sports industries. Purebred horses, regarded as valuable assets within this sector, are genetically evaluated for traits such as endurance, muscle strength, and longevity. The identification of genetic factors influencing these traits can lead to improving breeding programs and enhancing economic efficiency. Recent advancements in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and advanced genomic data analysis methods have facilitated the detailed investigation of the molecular basis of polygenic traits in horses. This review study, utilizing approaches in genomics, bioinformatics, and advanced statistical analyses, investigates candidate genes associated with the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, metabolic, nervous, and immune systems that play pivotal roles in the athletic performance and longevity of show jumping horses. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and the identification of regions under natural and artificial selection (selection sweeps) have revealed genetic markers linked to these traits, which can be utilized in genomic selection and the optimization of breeding strategies. Furthermore, this research explores gene-gene and gene-environment interactions to provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms influencing performance and lifespan. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of genomic tools for selecting show jumping horses with superior performance and extended longevity, ultimately promoting the economic and environmental sustainability of the horse breeding industry.
Type of Study:
Applicable |
Subject:
Subject 01 Received: 2025/07/28 | Accepted: 2026/02/2 | Published: 2026/02/3