Thoroughbred Horse: Breed Profile

Most people are familiar with the thoroughbred horse due to horse racing. But thoroughbreds are multipurpose horses and many former racehorses find second careers as riding or driving horses. Thoroughbreds are classified as hotblooded horses or horses that tend to be spirited bold intelligent and athletic. Its a demeanor not every equestrian can handle but it does make for a magnificent horse.
Thoroughbred History and Origins
Thoroughbreds can trace their origin back to the late 17th century in Great Britain. Horse racing had already existed there for centuries and people were selectively breeding horses for their racing qualities. 

Three stallions were imported to England in the late 1600s and early 1700s the Byerly Turk the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian named for their owners a previously common practice. They became the foundational stallions of the thoroughbred even though ironically none of them had ever raced. The foundational mares came from multiple breeds both native and imported.
This selective breeding resulted in a horse with strength speed and stamina. The first thoroughbred arrived in the American colonies in 1730 though importation all but stopped during the Revolutionary War. Horse racing gained popularity in the U S. during the 1800s and Kentucky and Tennessee became centers for thoroughbred breeding and racing. The thoroughbred also influenced several other horse breeds including the American quarter horse standardbred and Morgan.
The Jockey Club serves as the registry for thoroughbreds in the U S. and Canada. 
Thoroughbred Size
Thoroughbreds range in height from around 15 hands 60 inches to 17 hands 68 inches. Most stand at roughly 16 hands 64 inches tall. They typically weigh between 1000 and 1200 pounds.
Thoroughbred Breeding and Uses
Although theyve been bred primarily for their racehorse qualities since their origin thoroughbreds are also seen in many other equine sports including jumping and dressage. Theyre also used as trail horses general riding horses and pleasure driving horses. Many former racehorses also known as offtrack thoroughbreds or OTTBs move on to become riding and driving horses. 
Furthermore thoroughbreds are often used to add refinement and athleticism to other horse breeds. Many sport horses in particular have thoroughbreds in their ancestry.
Colors and Markings
Thoroughbreds come in every solid equine coat color. Most often they are bay brown chestnut black or gray. Many breed registries dont recognize coat patterns that include more than one color. But white facial and leg markings such as blazes or stockings are allowed though many thoroughbreds