The origin of ambling horses

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Archaeology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Horseback riding has significantly impacted human societies for millennia.
• Gaited horses, capable of comfortable gaits like ambling, were highly valued for long-distance travel.
• A specific mutation in the DMRT3 gene (DMRT3_Ser301STOP) has been identified as the cause of gaitedness in horses.

Observation:

• The DMRT3 gene plays a crucial role in limb movement coordination in mice.
• Genotyping 4396 horses across 141 breeds revealed the widespread distribution of the mutated DMRT3 allele.
• The mutated allele is particularly frequent in gaited horse breeds and those used for harness racing.

Findings:

• Analysis of historic horse remains indicates the origin of gaitedness in Medieval England between 850 and 900 AD.
• The DMRT3 allele found in early Icelandic horses (9th-11th century) suggests transport from the British Isles by Norse people.
• Norse settlers likely selected for this comfortable gait soon after arriving in Iceland.

Implications:

• The study traces the genetic origin and early spread of gaited horses.
• Gaited horses may have spread from Iceland and the British Isles to continental Europe at a later period.
• Understanding the genetic history of gaitedness provides insights into horse domestication and human migration patterns.