The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) of Aurora, Colo., has established an Arabian Horse Association task force on genetic diseases. The task force was created under the direction of and announced by AHA President Lance Walters.

“The purpose of the task force is to have a group of AHA members regularly focused on genetic diseases,” said Walters. “The end result will be an Arabian horse community that is educated about genetic diseases and knowledgeable about testing and disclosure. The task force will guide the association in developing policies and educational programs to educate the Arabian horse community about genetic diseases associated with the Arabian breed. The establishment of the task force emphasizes that we are a breed organization interested in preserving our breed.”

The conception for the new task force originated after the philanthropic arm of AHA, the Arabian Horse Foundation (AHF) appointed a panel of equine research advisors in 2008 and donated thousands of dollars to universities and colleges conducting genetic disease research. Appointed as chair of the new task force is Beth Minnich of Mill Creek, Wash. Minnich holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Science from Colorado State University and has over 20 years of experience with the Arabian breed. Minnich also chairs the foundation’s Equine Research Advisory Panel.

“The Arabian Horse Association has taken a significant step forward with the establishment of the task force,” she said. “Genetic conditions exist among a variety of horse breeds, so this is not something unique to the Arabian horse. However, many times these disorders are very quietly talked about in private, away from public view. With the creation of this task force, AHA is recognizing the importance of bringing this subject out for more broad-based discussion among the membership. Consequently, AHA will take a leading role in educating its members about various genetic disorders and encourage its members to utilize available tests and disclose results