THE PHENOTYPIC PARAMETERS AT THE POPULATION OF SPORTS HORSES FROM ROMANIA

I. Dulugeac, V. Ujica, M. Dolis, Rodica Danaila, M. Burlica

Abstract
Knowing the phenotypic parameters of the sports horse of Romania represents an actuality issue, if we take into account that such studies are inexistent, and the scientific substantiation of the genetic selection and improvement must be based on the analysis of the average values and of the variability of morphologic characters at the horse populations used in the equestrian, performance and recreation sports.
The problem is even more important as the economic necessities of life solicit more and more the horse for the equine sports. In the genetic improvement of the Sports Horse, the aim is a standard of the races used, which have some morphological characteristics, after which the selection is made.
The sports horse must by a pleasant partner for the horse rider, no matter whether it is a performance sportsman or an amateur looking for recreation or who travels during his free time. All the horse races represent populations with own characters, obtained through the conscientious selection by people.
The existent differences refer not only to certain morphological characters (waist, weight, etc.) but also to the performances obtained in the equine contests. This imposes the determination within each population of the characters and traits that relate to the performance sports and genetic improvement.

Key words: horses, equestrian, equine, sports, entertainment