The Thoroughbred Horse Breed
History, Origins & Use of The Thoroughbred Horse Breed.
Famous for horse racing, the thoroughbred is a hot-blooded breed. They are multipurpose horses that are known for their agility, jumping, and speed. They are also known for their spirit and giving maximum effort during races which sometimes lead to accidents and nose bleeding. Thoroughbreds are not for everyone and especially not for beginners. They are a magnificent horse breed with a strong work ethic that needs an experienced handler. There are some doubts among people regarding the term thoroughbred as describing purebred animals of other species. But, the term is a proper noun that is used to describe this particular breed.
History & Origin Thoroughbred
Thoroughbreds were originated in England but their genetic origin is Arabian. All modern thoroughbred trace their lineage back to three colts from the early 17th century – they were Byerly Turk, Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian. These stallions were imported to Great Britain from the Middle East and were crossbred with native mares. As the native mares used were strong, the resultant progeny was capable of carrying heavy loads while maintaining speed over larger distances. After selective breeding for more than 300 years, thoroughbred became a dominant racehorse.
Thoroughbred Characteristics
Thoroughbred is a tall breed with an average height of over 16 hands. They weigh anywhere between 1000 and 1200 pounds with a top speed of around 40 miles/hour (ca. 64 km/h). They have a refined appearance with a muscular physique and streamlined body. Thoroughbreds come in almost every equine coat color with the most common color being bay and chestnut.
Uses of Thoroughbred Horse
Although bred primarily for racing, they are capable of excelling in other equestrian activities such as jumping and dressage. They are often used for crossbreeding with other horses to add more refinement and features to the progeny. After retiring from racing, many thoroughbreds are used for pleasure riding and driving purposes. They are also the most common breed used in Polo.
Thoroughbred Horse Characteristics with Makenna Osborne
