Bone spavin has historically been a prevalent disorder in the Icelandic horse, adversely affecting equine welfare and longevity, while also having negative implications for the Icelandic horse-breeding industry. The condition is a heritable developmental disorder. Preliminary data indicate that systematic breeding efforts have resulted in a substantial reduction in its prevalence over recent decades.

The aims of the study are threefold:

To reassess the prevalence of the disorder using data derived from pre-purcase veterinary examinations.

To identify genetic markers associated with the disorder and to develop a genetic test.

To review and summarise all available research findings relating to the disorder in the Icelandic horse.