Fellow Rocky Mountain Horse Enthusiasts, The members of the new RMHA Genetics Committee respectfully request our members help in securing a follow up breed diversity (heterozygosity) study. The first study was done over eight years ago. That study showed our breed, by equine standards, had a borderline acceptable level of herd diversity. The Grade Mare program had just been terminated prior to this study. Shortly afterward a major financial recession slowed the breeding and registration of new horses. New genetic tests such as that for the Red Gene have impacted breeding decisions. And the Silver Dapple gene and the MCOA (ASD) site have been determined to be one and the same. So there are a number of forces that may be impacting the future genetic vitality of our Horse. Once diversity is lost it cannot be recovered. Our Committee wants to ensure the Rocky Mountain Horse retains its unique combination of attributes for future generations. A follow up diversity study at this moment will help us develop sound recommendations moving forward. The RMHA Board is currently tightening its financial belt. A new diversity study will cost two thousand dollars. It may be several years before the RMHA can fund a new study. The Genetics Committee does not feel this study can wait. It is our hope that the RMHA Membership will step up to the plate and help make this study a reality. Our Headquarters has established a separate RMHA Diversity Fund bank account for contributions. Any amount would be helpful. Donations should be addressed to “RMHA Diversity Fund,” 4037 Iron Works Parkway Suite 140, Lexington, KY 40511 These horses have given all of us great pleasure. Your support for this study would be greatly appreciated. We will share the results of this study with our Membership. Thank you for your consideration of this important project. Sincerely, RMHA Genetics Committee Steve Autry, Angela Robishaud, Maye Carter, Mic Fenn, Stephanie Moore Murdock, David Swan, Larry LeBlanc
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 13:11:26 +0000
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