DNA Testing

Policies and Procedures

Introduction

The SMR maintains a database of DNA from registered Spanish Mustangs to provide validation of offspring or parentage and to provide a form of identification of horses. To facilitate this, the SMR has a contract with Texas A&M University to undertake the testing on its behalf. 

Purpose of the DNA Tests

1. If the horse to be registered was conceived by AI / ET. Any stallion or mare used for AI breedings must have DNA on file prior to death, or from samples taken shortly after death, in order to verify the parentage any foals.

2. If the horse is a stallion whose semen is being collected and frozen.

3. To place on file the DNA of individual animals to validate offspring derived through natural or artificial breeding methods.

4. To identify that the offspring being submitted for registration are from animals whose DNA is already on file.

5. The DNA type also provides a form of identification like a fingerprint.

Please Note:

The DNA test WILL NOT prove that a horse is a Spanish Mustang and therefore cannot be used for horses with unknown lineage, in order to determine their eligibility to be registered with the SMR. 

Please insure your horse is eligible for DNA testing before sending in your application or fee. If in doubt, contact the Registrar first to avoid disappointment.

Filing Existing DNA Tests

The SMR recognizes that some members may have already had their horses’ DNA tested by other laboratories, and SMR will accept the records from members at no charge. Non-members will be charged a fee for the filing on existing DNA records.

In view of this, DNA test results completed by any lab prior to January 1, 2009 will be accepted and filed with the horses’ registration paperwork, provided that the format is compatible with that provided by Texas A&M University. These results will not be included in the Texas A&M database. The SMR registrar reserves the right to not accept any tests where the format, or presentation, is not compatible. 

The SMR will accept DNA test results ongoing, from the following testing labs: 

• Texas A&M University

• University of California Davis*

• University of Kentucky*

*The SMR reserves the right to charge fees should acceptance or use of these test results result in any costs to the SMR. These results will not be included in the Texas A&M database. Members and non-members providing test results to the SMR from these two laboratories must warrant that these results may be filed and used by the SMR, and must agree to hold the SMR harmless from any claims arising from the storage or use of these results.

Request Copies of DNA Records

Copies of completed DNA tests on a registered horse are available to the owner of record OR, in the situation where the horse has been sold BUT the rights to the frozen semen from that horse are the property of another individual, to the owner of the frozen semen IF that individual can produce adequate documentation of ownership; e.g. a contract, a will, etc.

Procedure Steps for DNA Tests

If the horse is "NOT" a registered SMR horse NOR is it a pending SMR registered horse then the service is not available via this method.

DNA Fees*

Pay Fees Online*

*Additional processing fees may apply for online payments.

If needed, download a Registration Form below. Fees may be paid by check or through our online store.*