Fig. 1.

Global distribution of horse breeds and key genes underlying trait-specific adaptations. This figure illustrates the worldwide distribution of representative horse breeds, highlighting genomic adaptations associated with distinct environmental and performance traits. Colored icons denote specific adaptive traits: American Bashkir Curly for curly hair; Brazilian and Jinjiang breeds for heat tolerance; Yakut horse for cold resistance in Siberian Yakutia; Tibetan horse for high-altitude adaptation; Thoroughbred for enhanced muscle development; Mongolian horse for hoof resilience; and French Trotter for gait performance. The figure underscores the interplay between geographical location, environmental selection pressures, and genetic mechanisms that shape trait-specific adaptations across diverse equine populations