Thoroughbred Horse: Breed Profile

are plain with minor to no markings. 
Unique Characteristics of the Thoroughbred
A thoroughbreds athleticism and refined appearance are its defining characteristics. These horses can reach speeds of around 40 miles per hour. Their hindquarters are particularly muscled which amplifies thrust as they gallop. And even though they are powerful muscular horses theyre able to move with grace and agility.
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Diet and Nutrition
Thoroughbreds eat a typical equine diet of quality grass hay grains and some fruits and vegetables. Vitamin and mineral supplementation might be necessary. Many thoroughbreds tend to have a fast metabolism so they might require more food than other horses their size to maintain a healthy weight.
Common Health and Behavior Problems
Thoroughbreds are prone to several health problems many of which are due to being bred for racing. Because theyre often pushed to physical extremes on the race track the rate of health complications and accidentssuch as lifeending fracturesfor thoroughbreds is high. 
The breed also is susceptible to exerciseinduced pulmonary hemorrhage or bleeding in the lungs from intense exercise. Plus some thoroughbreds have abnormally large hearts which can contribute to circulatory issues from leaky valves which can lead to congestive heart failure 12 And some have hooves that are too light and thinwalled for their body size which can cause soreness and lameness 3
In terms of behavior many thoroughbreds are too spirited and energetic for beginning equestrians. But they are highly intelligent and have a strong work ethic. A confident experienced handler can often train this horse to excel in various equine sports.
However former racehorses can be especially difficult to retrain for other purposes including general riding. These horses have been geared toward racing their whole lives and often spook at loud noises that remind them of starter pistols. In addition former racehorses typically only have basic behavioral training.
Grooming
Standard equine grooming practices are suitable for thoroughbreds. Brush them at least a couple times per week and inspect and clean their hooves daily to look for injuries and prevent infection. 
When grooming a thoroughbred its important to be extra gentle because this horse has thinner skin than many other breeds. So a thoroughbred might be more sensitive and annoyed by grooming especially if you hit any sore spots. Take the process slowly and reward the horse with treats or praise for good behavior. Also look for soft grooming tools such as a brush