How to collect a horse hair sample for epigenetic testing

What you need

• Your EpiEquine collection envelope, included in your collection kit
• Clean, dry hands
• A handler to hold the horse quietly
• A pen to label the envelope

Step by step

1. Pick the spotUse the mane or the top of the tail. Brush out dirt and debris first, and avoid hair coated in detangler or show sheen. When sampling the tail, stand to the side of the horse, never directly behind it.
2. Take a small sectionSeparate 10 to 15 hairs and wrap them once around your fingers, close to the skin.
3. Pull, don't cutPull firmly in one quick motion. Cut hair has no roots and can't be analyzed.
4. Check for rootsLook for the small bulb at the end of each hair. Repeat until you have 30 to 50 hairs with roots attached.
5. Pack itLay the hairs in your EpiEquine envelope with the root ends together. Seal the envelope, and don't tape over the roots.
6. Label itWrite the horse's name, the date, and your name and phone number on the envelope.
7. Keep it dryStore it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and bring it to us as soon as you can.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Cutting the hair instead of pulling it: no roots, no result.
• Too few hairs: aim for 30 to 50 with roots attached.
• Sealing damp hair in plastic: moisture can degrade the sample.
• An unlabeled envelope: we can't match it to your horse.

Dropping off your sample

Bring your sealed, labeled envelope to the EpiEquine Laboratory.

Rather we handle it?

Book a barn visit and we'll collect at your farm anywhere in Ocala and Marion County, scheduled around your trainer and show days. We can sample an entire string in a single visit. Then see what your horse's profile shows.