We Don’t Just Breed Behavior – How Domestication and Selection Shape the Equine Body

Show notes

Horse Domestication, Genetic Selection and Structural Change in Modern Breeding

Domestication is not a closed chapter in history. It continues to shape modern horses — influencing temperament, stress physiology, locomotion and skeletal structure.

In this episode, we explore the scientific foundations behind modern breeding trends:

  • the two domestication waves of the horse

  • the DOM2 expansion and large-scale genetic turnover around 2200 BCE

  • selection for rideability, locomotion and reduced aggression

  • the Silver Fox Domestication Experiment as a model for behavioral genetic selection

  • genetic bottlenecks and inbreeding using the Isle Royale wolves as a biological case study

  • ncreasing reports of cervical spine, rib and lumbar variations in modern horses

and why sport horse breeding must be viewed through a population genetics lens.

This episode connects ancient horse genomics, behavioral genetics and contemporary breeding practices.

Evidenz:

Isle Royale Wolves – Genetic Bottleneck & Skeletal Effects

Robinson, J. A., et al. (2019). Genomic signatures of extensive inbreeding in Isle Royale wolves. Science Advances. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6541468/

Silver Fox Domestication Experiment

Dugatkin, L. A., & Trut, L. (2018). The silver fox domestication experiment. Evolution: Education and Outreach. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12052-018-0090-x

Librado, P., et al. (2021). The origins and spread of domestic horses from the Western Eurasian steppes. Nature, 598, 634–640. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-04018-9

Librado, P., et al. (2024). Widespread horse-based mobility arose around 2200 BCE in Eurasia. Nature, 631, 819–825. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07597-5

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