DNA My Horse - Australia

Frequently Asked Questions


Explore the following section to discover answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers. If your specific question is not addressed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to us via email at info@dnamyhorses.com

 

We're here to assist you!

How do I order a test?

To order the horse breed/ancestry DNA test which includes a free parentage search, simply click here to order the test online. Upon completing your purchase, please mail us the DNA Submission Sheet (click to open), along with your horse's hair sample, using a regular envelope and stamp. All mailing and pulling instructions are on the sheet. Once we receive your horse's hair sample by mail, we will promptly notify you via email. After conducting the necessary tests, we will then email you the comprehensive results, presented in beautifully crafted reports that make for a wonderful keepsake. The breed certificate, included in the email, can be easily shared on social media or printed out for display.

Where do I send the samples do? What is your mailing address?

All samples are to be mailed to:

DNA My Horse
Suite FR1588
PO BOX 491
Kellyville NSW 2155

How are the results sent to me?

As a environmentally conscious company, we are committed to sustainability, and therefore, all results are exclusively delivered via email to minimize paper usage. You have the option to print the results at your convenience. In the event that you don't have access to a computer or printer, numerous professional printing companies are available to assist you with a physical copy. Thank you for joining us in our efforts to reduce environmental impact.

Do I have to send you my horse's picture?

While a picture can be a delightful addition to personalize the DNA report cover and the breed certificate, it is not a requirement. Including a picture can add a charming finishing touch, making the results even more special for keepsake and display purposes. This is particularly meaningful if the DNA test is intended as a gift.

I forgot to upload a picture at checkout, where can I send one to?

Feel free to share your horse's picture with us by emailing it to: info@dnamyhorses.com

We look forward to receiving your cherished photos to enhance your DNA report cover and breed certificate. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

What is included with my horse's results?

Each horse will receive a unique and personalized report. If you provided us with a picture of your horse, it will be featured on the report cover and the special breed composition certificate. This certificate can be easily printed for display purposes or shared on your social media platforms.

The comprehensive report not only discloses the specific breed(s) present in your horse's genetic makeup but also offers an in-depth explanation of the results. Depending on your horse's breed composition, the report includes valuable information such as prevalent diseases and health concerns associated with that breed. Additionally, you'll find extensive details covering proper nutrition, common uses, origin, temperament, conformation, and more related to your horse's identified breed(s).

Moreover, the report provides any relevant results from our database regarding the search for your horse's parentage. We strive to offer you a thorough understanding of your horse's genetic heritage and characteristics.

Will you be able to find my horse's parentage?

The outcomes of our testing process are not predetermined, and we discover the details only after conducting the test and a parentage search in our database.

In instances where no matches are initially found during the testing phase, rest assured that we retain all DNA data on file. If any future matches are identified, we are committed to contacting the horse's owner using the contact information available, which may include a phone number, email address, and/or mailing address. Our goal is to keep you informed and updated on any developments related to your horse's genetic heritage.

What are the limitations of your test?

The DNA My Horse Breed/Ancestry Test is specifically designed to identify the breeds present in the genetic makeup of horses by matching DNA with validated breeds in our database.

The analysis of your horse's DNA sample is conducted with a reasonable level of certainty. However, it's important to acknowledge the possibility of random changes within your horse's DNA that may influence the results. Our testing procedures and database are designed to recognize and minimize the impact of such changes. It's crucial to note that while the test is a valuable tool, no analytical test can claim 100% accuracy. DNA My Horse cannot be held responsible for any inferences drawn about individual horses based on the provided information.

The test relies on a database of recognised breeds, and if your horse contains breeds not in the database, it may lead to the identification of breeds further back in your horse's lineage, potentially yielding unexpected results. It's essential to recognise the unique individuality of each horse. Even if two horses share the same identified breeds in their DNA, they may display markedly different physical traits. Additionally, behavior and personality are influenced not only by genetic factors but also by environment, training, and handling.

The behavioral, health, and personality summary provided is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information about purebred horses. It is not intended to predict disease or behavior but serves as a guide to traits commonly associated with the identified breeds in your horse. These traits may or may not be present in your individual horse.

Just like with any lab testing, there is always the possibility that results can be inconclusive. This can occur for a variety of reasons such as degradation, allele dropout, contamination, and other reasons. On rare occasions, our breed algorithm is not able to narrow down your horse's recent breed composition from ancestry (ancestry is your horse's breed composition over the last one thousand generations and rarely has an obvious connection to recent breed composition). Any sample will be deemed inconclusive should our specific breed algorithm parameters not be met in which case you will be given a full refund for your horse's test. You are welcome to get your horse retested but any horse's sample tested as previously inconclusive may take up to one month for results to be ready due to a different method of testing as per our company policy.

My horse's results were inconclusive...

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, DNA test results for your horse may come back inconclusive (as can happen with any lab test), and we cannot always pinpoint the exact reason. This can happen due to several factors:

  1. Allele Dropout: This occurs when certain genetic markers fail to be detected, leading to incomplete data.
  2. DNA Degradation: DNA can degrade, making it difficult to obtain clear results.
  3. Contamination: If the sample is contaminated by foreign DNA, it can interfere with the accuracy of the test.
  4. Environmental Damage: If the sample envelope gets wet, overheated, or otherwise damaged during transit, the DNA can be compromised.
  5. Algorithm Limitations: Our breed identification algorithm may struggle to narrow down ancestry when the horse’s genetic background is diverse or when the ancestry is too distant, making recent breed composition difficult to determine.
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These factors can make it challenging to get conclusive results, but we’re committed to working with you to try and resolve any issues, which may include retesting with a new sample.

Inconclusive results are frustrating, but they reflect the complexities of DNA testing and the importance of proper sample collection and handling. If the inconclusive result was due to an algorithm limitation, we recommend retesting in six months after updates are made to our algorithm.