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Not so long ago I received a phone call. The caller did not identify themselves only asked if we tested for PSSM1. I was taken off guard, but responded " we have seen no indication that blanket testing would justify." This call came about during a heated internet discussion regarding the need to test each and every gypsy horse in this country. Mind you, this is not an every day condition for most breeds. You may want to read the info at the following link before thinking it is" irresponsible" to not test.
http://horsetesting.com/Equine/Genetic_Disease/PSSM.asp
However serious the caller may have been was not evident as she promptly hung up giving me no opportunity to have a discussion. The group of women who brought this to the table made enough noise that breeders are listing the results on their sale ads and the GVHS registry for Gypsy Vanner Horses has included the test as an option for their members. Good you say and I agree, but having been breeding GVHs for the past 16 years and seeing no symptoms, I still think it is a far cry from" irresponsible". I would be more concerned for the potential of harm done attempting to produce pretty colors with little regard for proper conformation and typical sweet disposition.
So we might move forward and smooth what ever ill feelings the caller may have, we tested the two 2015 foals for pssm1....negative and negative! I will post this on our face book pages and tweet the link often .....Just don't bother calling me with anymore surveys!
http://horsetesting.com/Equine/Genetic_Disease/PSSM.asp
However serious the caller may have been was not evident as she promptly hung up giving me no opportunity to have a discussion. The group of women who brought this to the table made enough noise that breeders are listing the results on their sale ads and the GVHS registry for Gypsy Vanner Horses has included the test as an option for their members. Good you say and I agree, but having been breeding GVHs for the past 16 years and seeing no symptoms, I still think it is a far cry from" irresponsible". I would be more concerned for the potential of harm done attempting to produce pretty colors with little regard for proper conformation and typical sweet disposition.
So we might move forward and smooth what ever ill feelings the caller may have, we tested the two 2015 foals for pssm1....negative and negative! I will post this on our face book pages and tweet the link often .....Just don't bother calling me with anymore surveys!
