Which traits are inherited in the show jumping horse

How much is jumping talent «passed on»? Genetic research offers some answers (cautiously). Here is an overview.

Jumping ability is heritable

Studies estimate the heritability of jumping ability as varying by breed and measurement method: in tests on young horses it can be moderate-to-high, while from competition results it tends to be lower [1][2].

Not only jumping

Conformation, gaits and rideability are also recorded and partly heritable traits, assessed in the morphological and functional tests of the studbooks [1].

Why it matters in evaluation

Understanding what is heritable helps read a pedigree without illusions: genetic potential should always be compared with actual results. See how to read a pedigree and inbreeding and linebreeding.