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 “hot-blooded” horses, or horses that tend to be spirited, bold, intelligent, and athletic. It’s 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 1,000 and 1,200 pounds.

Thoroughbred Breeding and Uses

Although they’ve been bred primarily for their racehorse qualities since their origin, thoroughbreds are also seen in many other equine sports, including jumping and dressage. They’re also used as trail horses, general riding horses, and pleasure driving horses. Many former racehorses, also known as off-track 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 don’t 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 are plain with minor to no markings. 

Unique Characteristics of the Thoroughbred

A thoroughbred’s 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, they’re able to move with grace and agility

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 they’re often pushed to physical extremes on the race track, the rate of health complications and accidents—such as life-ending fractures—for thoroughbreds is high. .