While 'thoroughbred' may refer to any purebred horse, the term technically refers to the breed with that name. They are mostly bred for the racetrack as they are the fastest of all breeds. Some are just as suited to other pursuits. The breed is said to be 'hot-blooded' meaning it is fast and spirited. Breeds such as the Percheron and Shire are known as cold-blooded and mostly used for draft work.
The breed is renowned for its beauty and elegance. It is a tall horse with most well over 15.2 hands. Horses are measured in four inch increments called 'hands'. Everything about the breed is noble from the finely chiseled head to the well-defined withers and clean, straight legs. The muscled body is lean.
The hindquarters should be powerful to supply plenty of impulsion. Sloping shoulders allow the horse to take long strides and a deep chest gives plenty of heart and lung room. The coat is fine. While some horses have thicker coats in winter, there is little difference in the summer and winter coats of this breed so it needs to be rugged during the colder months.
Solid colors are most common although some specialist breeders are now breeding broken-colored horses of this type. It is very rare to see them on the race-track. There may be white on the legs and face. In 1911, The Tetrarch was born grey with big white splotches. He was undefeated during his short career and became a successful sire.
The majority of the breed is used in racing and steeple-chasing. Smaller ones which have the required temperament are used for polo and polocrosse which calls for agile, fast mounts. Many are successful in eventing, show-jumping and dressage. Some don't have the strength and/or temperament for certain disciplines.
From its English origins, the Thoroughbred has found its way all round the world. One of its main benefits is its ability to improve almost any other breed. It has played a role in the development of many breeds. When crossed with heavier, stronger horses, the progeny are ideally suited to eventing and hunting.
The breed is renowned for its beauty and elegance. It is a tall horse with most well over 15.2 hands. Horses are measured in four inch increments called 'hands'. Everything about the breed is noble from the finely chiseled head to the well-defined withers and clean, straight legs. The muscled body is lean.
The hindquarters should be powerful to supply plenty of impulsion. Sloping shoulders allow the horse to take long strides and a deep chest gives plenty of heart and lung room. The coat is fine. While some horses have thicker coats in winter, there is little difference in the summer and winter coats of this breed so it needs to be rugged during the colder months.
Solid colors are most common although some specialist breeders are now breeding broken-colored horses of this type. It is very rare to see them on the race-track. There may be white on the legs and face. In 1911, The Tetrarch was born grey with big white splotches. He was undefeated during his short career and became a successful sire.
The majority of the breed is used in racing and steeple-chasing. Smaller ones which have the required temperament are used for polo and polocrosse which calls for agile, fast mounts. Many are successful in eventing, show-jumping and dressage. Some don't have the strength and/or temperament for certain disciplines.
From its English origins, the Thoroughbred has found its way all round the world. One of its main benefits is its ability to improve almost any other breed. It has played a role in the development of many breeds. When crossed with heavier, stronger horses, the progeny are ideally suited to eventing and hunting.
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