The University of Edinburgh is asking the equestrian community for help as it seeks to examine the current state of knowledge in horse genetics across the UK and Europe.
The educational institution is asking horse owners, riders, vets, breeders, farriers, trainers and any other members of the equestrian community to take part in an anonymous online survey.
Results of the survey will help the University of Edinburgh, which is collaborating with researchers at the University of Florida on this project, to find out what equestrian stakeholders know about horse genetics and genetic diseases and want from future genetics research.
A similar study has already taken place in the USA as an important part of a broader project launched by the Horse Genome Workshop.
If you are interested in genetics of coat colours, performance, or different diseases and want to influence the direction of future equine genetics research then this survey is for you.
The aim of the survey is to obtain information to help develop educational programmes and resources that meet the practical needs of those working with and caring for horses, as well as to better inform future research regarding horse health and management.
Five sections
The questionnaire is divided into five sections and includes questions about you, a short quiz on genetics, questions about your priorities and interests in genetics, questions about your experience with horse health and some concluding questions.
The survey is open to anyone involved in the equine industry who is aged over 18 and takes approximately seven minutes to complete.
You do not have to provide any identifying information when completing the survey but if you choose to provide a contact email address at the end of the study you will be added to the Horse Genome Workship mailing list.
For further information contact Dr Victoria Lindsay-McGee, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh on victoria.lindsay-mcgee@ed.ac.uk.
To complete the survey, click here.
