Monday, August 20, 2012

The Noble And Elegant Thoroughbred Is Not Just A Racehorse

By Shari Swanson


The term 'thoroughbred' sometimes refers to a purebred horse of some description but technically it is a breed in its own right. Thoroughbreds are found in all disciplines but especially on the racetrack. It is the fastest of the breeds. It is known as a 'hot-blooded' horse. This means it is fast, fiery and high-spirited. By contrast, cold-blooded horses are the heavy horses like the Clydesdale and Shire that are used for draft work.

The breed is renowned for its beauty and elegance. It is a tall horse with most well over 15.2 hands. Horses are measured in four inch increments called 'hands'. Everything about the breed is noble from the finely chiseled head to the well-defined withers and clean, straight legs. The muscled body is lean.

If a horse is to be fast he needs sloping shoulders and powerful quarters. For racing, horses also need good hearts and lungs. A deep chest allows for this. The coat is fine and never becomes very thick even in the middle of winter. Most need extra rugged in winter.

Broken-colored horses are rarely seen on the race-track although they are being bred for their novelty value. An unusually colored racehorse was The Tetrarch. This Irish horse was born in 1911 and had successful if short career. He was grey with large splotches of white over his body. Most of this breed are any of the solid colors with some having white face and leg markings.

The majority of the breed is used in racing and steeple-chasing. Smaller ones which have the required temperament are used for polo and polocrosse which calls for agile, fast mounts. Many are successful in eventing, show-jumping and dressage. Some don't have the strength and/or temperament for certain disciplines.

The Thoroughbred had its beginnings in England and is now found throughout the world. It is a great 'improver' of other breeds and the blood-lines can be found in the backgrounds of many breeds. When crossed with heavier horses, it adds elegance and speed. Such crossbred horses are in high demand for eventing and hunting.




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