What Is a Thoroughbred?

Thoroughbreds are a breed of horse that is often used for racing. They horses were first bred during the early 1700s by mating Arabian with English horses. These horses have been specifically bred to be the fastest and strongest with the highest levels of endurance.

This breed of horse arose during the late 1600s to early 1700s. They were originally the offspring of Arabian horses, known for their speed and agility, and English horses, known for their strength. The result was a very fast horse that could carry significant weight and also travel long distances.

The most distinctive trait of all thoroughbreds is their lineage. All are descendants of three individual horses: the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian. These horses were given the last names of their owners were the three horses originally used to produce the thoroughbred line during the early 1700s. The family lines of each thoroughbred horse have been meticulously recorded for the past 300 years to ensure that they are part of the historical line.

Thoroughbred horse breeding aims to create the fastest and strongest horse available. Their strength is tested on the racetrack, and the best horses are bred to continue the thoroughbred line. Contemporary thoroughbred horses are significantly faster and taller than the thoroughbreds of the 18th century.

In 2012, the standard thoroughbred racehorse is 16 hands, or 64 inches (1.6 meters) tall). They usually weigh 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) and are expected to run between 30 and 40 miles per hour (38 to 64 kilometers per hour). All horses, however, have different features and abilities, and the goal of all breeders is to create an animal that is faster and stronger than the average.

These horses differ from other breeds in their muscular structure. Quarter horses, a common breed of horse, are bred for strength and speed and have the muscular structure to produce these qualities. Arabian horses have musculature that promotes endurance, so while they can travel for great distances, they are not necessarily good candidates for carrying heavy loads. Thoroughbred horses possess muscles that give them both of these qualities and excel at both speed and endurance.

A Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its agility, speed, and spirit, primarily bred for racing. Originating from England in the 17th and 18th centuries, Thoroughbreds descend from three key stallions imported to England, where they were crossbred with mares carrying strong endurance traits. They are a symbol of equine athleticism and competitive horse racing.

Thoroughbreds typically have a distinctive appearance with a slim body, deep chest, long legs, and a short back. They possess a refined head with alert ears and a long neck. To officially confirm if a horse is a Thoroughbred, one would check its pedigree or look for a unique lip tattoo or microchip that is used for identification in registered Thoroughbreds.

Beyond their prominence on the racetrack, Thoroughbreds are versatile and excel in other equestrian disciplines such as show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Their high energy and stamina also make them suitable for polo and fox hunting. Additionally, retired racehorses often become pleasure horses, demonstrating the breed's adaptability.

Thoroughbreds generally live between 25 to 28 years, although this can vary based on factors like health, care, and environment. With advancements in equine healthcare and nutrition, some Thoroughbreds have been known to live into their 30s, according to the American Association of Equine Practitioners.

Thoroughbreds are known for their sensitivity and high energy, which can be challenging for beginner riders. They require experienced handling due to their spirited nature. However, with proper training and a suitable match of temperament, some Thoroughbreds can be ridden by beginners under the guidance of a skilled trainer.

The Thoroughbred breed has had a profound impact on horse racing, elevating it to a major international sport. According to the Jockey Club, Thoroughbred racing generates billions in economic activity worldwide and is particularly prominent in regions like North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, where the breed's influence is seen in prestigious races like the Kentucky Derby and the Melbourne Cup.