The Preserve, Chester Springs

Nokota® Genetic Research Results Continued

In 2020, The Preserve, Chester Springs (NPCS) embarked on a DNA/genetic study of the Nokota horse. We began at Texas A&M University with a study of 74 Nokota horse hair samples, where we collected hair from our oldest horses. The findings were very interesting in that the basic marker analysis showed the Nokota to carry over 51% Garrano Mountain Horse of Portchucal, which is exciting for its Spanish influence as well as the connection to a breed on the endangered species list and also such an ancient breed.

To view a full copy of Cornell Universities research analysis presentation, click on the image to the right.

To view the spreadsheet data from the microsatelite testing of the 45 Nokota horse, click the image to the right. The data includes 11 unique haplotypes, three that have previousy been characterized (ELA-A3b, COR212, QHnov04) and eight that haven’t been seen before.

To view Josephine Marchand’s Nokota MHC abstract, click the image to the right.

Why are we excited? This further indicates that…

  • The Nokota is a unique breed.
  • The Nokota carry supreme immunity which begs further study.
  • The Nokota carry historical DNA that matches the endangered Garrano Horse breed by over 50%.
  • Further study suggests the Nokota have a colorful and fascinating journey to share. 

What’s next?

Next, we look forward to doing a comparative study with the most uncommon horses in our research with the Garrano horse. Stay tuned!

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