I am interested in researching genetic variations in horses and mules and need some basic information about the name and locus of the gene that governs trotting v. Pacing and any other genes that produce variations in gait.

Hello Z:

To me, pacing and/or trotting is a factor of TRAINING, and not genetics.. I'm just guessing, though. I'd be happy to be wrong.

excon

I think it's some of both. As I'm sure you know, gaited horses are usually trained (often hobbling the horse by soring or other dangerous and/or very cruel and painful techniques), but some breeds are much better suited to it than others. I don't know that there's a specific gene associated with the trait though. I always just assumed it was a whole cadre of traits common to Tennessee walkers, paso finos, saddlebreds, etc.

Hello again,

Now I don't know about the breeds or genes... But, when I see the pacers on the track, they have this THING on their legs that PREVENTS them from trotting. It makes their front and back legs on EACH side move in tandem. Without it, they'd trot. I don't think genes have ANYTHING to do with it.

excon