Lethal White is a genetic defect found mainly
in overo pinto color patterned foals.
It appears in Paint horses mostly, but can
appear in any breed. The defect must be carried by
both parents, and when it is the foal generally
dies within 3 days of birth. The defect affects
the intestinal track making it impossible for the
foal to survive.
Horses can be carriers of this defective gene.
A blood sample sent in for genetic testing can
determine this. If you are planning to breed your
pinto horse (Paint especially), to an overo, be
sure both parents are tested... mare and stallion.
Responsible Paint breeders will usually have had
their overos tested. Tobianos can carry the
defective gene, too, so they should also be
tested. If you choose not to have the horses
tested, you are taking a chance, but the odds are
about 50%.
The
Horse that Lags Behind
It is important to teach the horse how you
expect it to act by taking your time and
building a foundation one lesson at a time. More...
