Equine epigenetic testing · Ocala, Florida
Equine epigenetic testing in Ocala, Florida
One hair sample gives you a clear read on how your horse is aging and adapting, analyzed in our own Ocala laboratory and reviewed with you one-on-one.
What equine epigenetic testing measures
Every cell in your horse carries the same DNA. What differs is which genes are switched on, and how strongly. That regulation is written in chemical marks on the DNA, chiefly DNA methylation, and those marks respond to what the horse actually experiences: age, workload, recovery, nutrition, stress, and environment.
Because the marks change, they can be measured, compared over time, and acted on. EpiEquine reads them from mane or tail hair pulled with the root, so there are no needles and no sedation.
Grounded in research. Epigenetic age models for horses have been published in peer-reviewed journals, including Nature Communications (2022) and Communications Biology (2021).
What's in your horse's profile
- Epigenetic age: how fast your horse is aging relative to the calendar.
- Training load and recovery: whether the current program is building your horse up or wearing it down.
- Nutrition and metabolic signals: how the feed program is landing at the cellular level.
- Stress and environment: the footprint of travel, turnout, herd changes, and the show calendar.
- A baseline to track: re-test to measure what a change in management actually did.
- Your custom formula: the profile becomes a powder supplement blended for your horse.
Every profile is written for horse people, not geneticists. We walk you through it one-on-one and put the next steps in writing.
Epigenetic testing vs. a DNA test
A genetic test and an epigenetic test answer different questions, and most owners benefit from knowing both.
| Question | Genetic (DNA) test | Epigenetic test |
|---|---|---|
| Reads | The DNA sequence a horse inherits | How those genes are regulated right now |
| Changes over time? | No, it is fixed at conception | Yes, with age, training, nutrition, and stress |
| Typical uses | Coat color, carrier status, parentage | Epigenetic age, recovery, management decisions |
| How often | Once | A baseline, then periodic re-tests |
Read the full comparison: epigenetics vs. genetic testing for horses.
Who it's for
- Sport and show horses competing at World Equestrian Center, HITS Ocala, and beyond. Tune the program to the horse in front of you.
- Breeding operations: understand how broodmares and stallions are truly aging.
- Senior horses: know where an older partner really stands, and adjust early.
- Sales and pre-purchase: a molecular second opinion alongside the vetting.
- Rehab and return to work: measure recovery objectively as you bring a horse back.
How testing works
- ConsultTell us about your horses. We recommend a program and set a collection date.
- CollectWe pull 30 to 50 mane or tail hairs with the root at your barn, or you collect them yourself and drop them at our lab.
- Analyze and reviewYour sample is processed in our Ocala laboratory under full chain-of-custody, then reviewed with you one-on-one.
- Formulate and refineWe blend your horse's custom formula, then re-test over time to measure progress.
Barn-side collection across Marion County
We collect at farms throughout Ocala and Marion County, including Reddick, Citra, Anthony, Summerfield, Belleview, and Dunnellon, and in the World Equestrian Center and Golden Ocala communities. Farms in nearby Williston, Morriston, or beyond: ask us.
Prefer to drop off? Our laboratory is at 3309 SW 34th Circle, Suite 103, Ocala, FL 34474, Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm, by appointment. Get directions.
Questions
Is an epigenetic test the same as a DNA test?
No. A DNA test reads the genetic sequence your horse inherited, which never changes. An epigenetic test reads the chemical marks that regulate those genes, which shift with age, training, nutrition, and stress.
Which horses can be tested?
Any breed, any discipline, and any age with enough mane or tail to sample.
Does epigenetic testing replace my veterinarian?
No. EpiEquine provides informational insight into your horse's biology. It complements, and never replaces, your veterinarian's diagnosis and care. We're glad to share your report with your vet.
How often should my horse be re-tested?
A baseline profile followed by periodic re-tests shows what is changing. While a horse is on a custom formula, we typically recommend re-testing about every 90 days.
What does testing cost?
Profiles, formulas, and programs are quoted at consultation, based on the number of horses and the program you want.
Tell us about your horses.
Barn-side collection anywhere in Ocala and Marion County, or drop-off at our laboratory. Monday–Friday, 10am–5pm, by appointment.