The Suffolk Horse Society Scientific Project 2026
The Suffolk Horse Society embarks upon an exciting and ground-breaking scientific project in February 2026. The Society will be working with genetics experts at the Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to carry out a comprehensive and detailed DNA analysis of the breed. Through investigation of the genomics of the Suffolk horse population in the United Kingdom, we will be able to better understand its genetic makeup, and to evaluate the current pedigree-based breeding programme.
The Suffolk Horse Society has already successfully adopted the SPARKS system of selection which goes some way to prevent inbreeding and help us avoid future problems. However, we recognise that science and technology can give us a much more accurate understanding of the genetics, flagging up any current or potential future issues and helping us make sure that every animal bred is as healthy and as fit for purpose as possible.
The results of this analysis will therefore be used to help inform all future breeding plans and decision making for this critically endangered breed.
Similar projects have already been successfully undertaken by the Eriskay Pony Society and the Cleveland Bay Horse Society, and the Shire Horse Society too is about to embark upon its own genomic project.
The analysis, being carried out by NTU’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF) will be led by Dr Adam Varney, Senior Research Fellow at MTIF/NTU, along with Dr Andy Dell.
Dr Varney emphasises that “a genomic analysis of the Suffolk horse will secure the future of this iconic rare breed by enabling informed breeding choices. Understanding the breed’s genetic profile helps prevent inbreeding and supports efforts to sustain a healthy, viable population.”
This ground-breaking project is funded entirely thanks to a generous legacy from the Peter Hinsley Trust.
The study is open to all horse owners – mares, geldings and stallions, no matter the age or breeding status – who are registered in the UK Suffolk Horse Society Stud Book – Pedigree Section A (formerly called Main Section).
It is easy for Suffolk horse owners to get involved and support the project. The more samples we have, the better the overall picture we can build of the breed and the more useful the information will be. It is an excellent way for all owners to support the future of the breed.
It is a simple process using a hair sample, and hair sample kits will be mailed out to all owners in early March. Full guidance will be included with the kit, and Dr Charlie Cooke MRCVS will demonstrate by video on the Society website how to pull a hair sample correctly. Alternatively, owners can ask their own veterinarian to pull a sample for them if they have a vet in the yard. Hair samples need to be returned to the SHS office by early April. Full details will accompany the hair sample kits when mailed out.
Dr Varney and his team will then extract the DNA and analyse the samples, and we expect to be able to provide an interim report to all members via the Autumn magazine. A detailed report from Nottingham Trent University will follow later in 2026.
It should be made clear that whilst individual samples will identify the individual animal, all samples are anonymised once MTIF/NTU undertakes the analysis. The project evaluates and analyses the breed as a whole, and individual animals cannot be identified once the samples are in the laboratory. The project is not an analysis of any individual animal, but a detailed analysis of the Suffolk horse population as a whole. The Suffolk Horse Society Council and the Scientific Committee have debated at length the merits of undertaking a Genomic Project. The exciting news of the project is now shared with all members, and it is very much hoped that all horse owners will offer their support and help to enable Suffolk Horse Society to secure a detailed genomic analysis of our breed.
Gail Sprake 07885 777921 / gail.sprake@outlook.com
Suffolk Horse Society, Chairman of Scientific Committee and Company Secretary
