In 2020, a hereditary neurological disorder was described in the American Quarter Horse: Equine Juvenile Spinocerebellar Ataxia (EJSCA). It affects young foals and can lead to severe movement disorders —including the inability to stand —within a few days.

The first signs of ataxia—that is, a pronounced disturbance of motor coordination—usually appear in affected foals between one and four weeks of age. The symptoms are particularly evident in the hind limbs, while the forelimbs are often less severely affected.

As the disease progresses, the foals may turn their hind limbs outward while their front limbs remain on the ground. This results in a characteristic gait that appears almost “sideways.”

The disease progresses rapidly. Within just a few days, affected foals are no longer able to stand on their own. Due to the severe course of the disease, they usually have to be euthanized.

Blood tests also frequently reveal elevated glucose and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels. Postmortem examinations reveal characteristic changes in the spinal cord.

Until now, the genetic test was conducted through our partner laboratory, UC Davis . For the past few weeks, we have been offering the test directly through LABOGEN. For our customers, this means, above all, shorter turnaround times and more affordable rates.

Test results are typically available within 1–2 weeks. For the test, you can submit EDTA-treated blood as well as mane or tail hair samples. The test costs €63, including VAT. Breeders who are members of a breeding association qualify for a discounted price of €48, including VAT.