English
The Thoroughbred is a popular horse breed widely recognized for its speed and athleticism. Bred specifically for horse racing since the 17th century, Thoroughbreds continue to rule racetracks around the world.
While the racing industry produces tens of thousands of Thoroughbreds each year, most of these horses move on to second careers after they retire from the track at young ages.
Fortunately, many of the characteristics that make this breed ideal for racing also translate to success in various equestrian sports. However, off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) often have unique training, health, and nutrition needs.
This article will discuss the history, breed characteristics, common health problems, and nutrition requirements of Thoroughbred horses. Keep reading to learn more about caring for and feeding your Thoroughbred.
Thoroughbred History
While horse racing dates back to ancient times, the history of the Thoroughbred breed began just over 300 years ago with three foundation stallions. Since then, selective breeding for speed and endurance has continued to improve the Thoroughbred we know today.
Origin
The modern Thoroughbred can trace its ancestry to three stallions imported to England from the Middle East in the late 1600s and early 1700s. These foundation stallions included the Godolphin Arabian, the Darley Arabian, and the Byerley Turk. [1]
Breeders crossed these stallions with English mares to produce offspring that could maintain high speeds over long distances. The term “thro-bred” first emerged in 1713 to describe the resulting cross. [1]
Genetic studies show that most Thoroughbreds alive today descend from just 27 stallions from the 18th and 19th centuries. Over 95% of paternal lineages trace back to the stallion Eclipse, a great-great-grandson of the Darley Arabian. [2]
The first breed registry for Thoroughbred horses emerged with the original volume of the General Stud Book, published by James Weatherby in 1791. The studbook collected and documented the pedigrees of racehorses descended from these bloodlines in Great Britain.
Historic Use
Records indicate flat racing existed in England as early as the year 1174, but the first formal publication devoted to racing, the Racing Calendar, wasn’t founded until 1727. The launch of this publication corresponds with the rising popularity of Thoroughbred bloodlines at racetracks. [3]
The sport gained royal support in Britain under the reign of Charles II, an avid horse racing enthusiast, in the 17th century. [4]
In the early 18th century, Thoroughbred racing concentrated on longer races of up to 4 miles and multiple heats. Race distances changed by the end of the century with the establishment of the English classic races, ranging from 1 mile to 1.75 miles. [1]
The change in race distance led to a shift in breeding practices, emphasizing horses with greater speed that could race at younger ages. Thoroughbred bloodlines in England during this time were also developed for steeplechasing. [1]
American settlers soon brought the sport to the colonies. Bulle Rock, the first Thoroughbred in the American Colonies, crossed the Atlantic in 1730. In the early 19th century, match races popularized Thoroughbred racing in the United States. [5]
In addition to their role in the racing industry, Thoroughbreds were also used to improve other breeds in the U.S. The imported stallion Messenger served as the foundation sire of the Standardbred, and Thoroughbred blood was critical for the development of the American Quarter Horse.
Breed Registry
The Jockey Club is the North American breed registry for Thoroughbred horses. This registry maintains the American Stud Book, which records every Thoroughbred imported to or born in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
First published in 1873, the American Stud Book is the North American version of Britain’s General Stud Book. The Jockey Club was incorporated in 1894 to establish a governing body dedicated to improving Thoroughbred breeding and racing in North America.
Today, the club’s database contains pedigree information of more than 1.8 million horses dating back to the late 1800s. That number continues to grow, with approximately 20,000 Thoroughbreds added each year. [6]
Unlike many breed registries, The Jockey Club only registers foals resulting from live cover of the mare by the stallion. Thoroughbreds also have a closed studbook. Both the sire and dam must be registered in the American Stud Book for a foal to be eligible for registration. [7]
Breed Characteristics
The breed standard for the Thoroughbred is primarily based on racing ability. Instead of being selected for specific conformational traits, horses demonstrate their breeding value through their track performance.
Selective breeding has resulted in conformation and temperament characteristics often associated with soundness, speed, and endurance. These characteristics can also contribute to success in different arenas after the horse’s racing career.
Conformation
Many aspects of the Thoroughbred’s appearance reflect their Arabian blood. An attractive Thoroughbred has a refined head with widely spaced eyes. Like Arabians, Thoroughbreds are considered hot-blooded horses.
Most Thoroughbreds range in height from 15.2 to 17 hands. In addition, these horses usually have lean bodies suitable for speed. Therefore, the average 16-hand Thoroughbred will weigh significantly less than a 16-hand horse from a stockier breed.
Most Thoroughbreds have slightly longer and lighter necks than other breeds. Ideal conformation includes high and well-defined withers that lead to a short, evenly curved back. A deep chest and sloped, well-muscled shoulder aid running ability. [8]
The heart girth of a Thoroughbred is usually deep and relatively narrow. Long legs with clean, pronounced tendons promote soundness and stride length. The upper hind leg should have long, strong muscling with a long thigh bone and wide hip angle for power. [9]
Colours
Thoroughbreds come in a variety of solid coat colours. The following colours are recognized by The Jockey Club: [7]
- Bay
- Black
- Chestnut
- Brown
- Roan
- Gray
- Palomino
- White
Temperament
Horses bred for speed and performance often have spirited, high-energy personalities. Thoroughbreds are generally intelligent and sensitive and may not make the best mounts for beginner riders.
However, every horse is an individual. Thoroughbreds with personalities ill-suited for the race track often find a better fit in a second career. Many experienced competitors value the spirited temperament of the Thoroughbred in a high-performance partner.
Disciplines
Modern horse racing primarily focuses on young horses, so most Thoroughbreds only spend a few years at the track. While some talented stallions and mares start breeding after successful racing careers, most Thoroughbreds move on to riding homes.
The Jockey Club supports second careers for retired racehors