Sunday, September 2, 2012

Numerous Facts For Thoroughbred Owners

By Madge Lindsay


The most efficient breed of horse for racing is actually the ever so well-known thoroughbred. These horses are acknowledged for their agility on the race track, as well as their incredible speed. They may indeed be hot-blooded animals, and are sometimes quite highly strung, but this does not stop them from making wonderful mounts as well fantastic hacks.

Accurate proportion pertaining to the head and body is vital, with a forehead that is flat and eyes wide and intelligent. The neck of these race horses is typically carried in a lower position, and they also tend to be a bit longer when compared with other breeds. These types of horses have very long legs, slim bodies, deep chests, short backs and relatively high withers.

The breed can stand up to 15 hands high. These horse can weigh between 450kg and 550 kg. They are very intelligent and courageous animals with a good temperament, although they do tend to be hot-headed at times. Being a racing breed, they are very quick and can also be a little excitable and spirited.

The breeds origin stems from Arabia. They are able to be traced back to stallions imported from England during the 17th and 18th centuries from the Middle East. The three main breeds that played an important role in developing the thoroughbred were the Godolphin Arabian, the Darley Arabian and the Byerley Turk. Less influential on the breed were the Orientals.

In trying to create a strong and fast horse, these animals were bred and crossbred. Most of the breeders tried their best to breed the fastest horse on the track. These horses have a large lung capacity, and therefore have wide girth. In order for them to run at high speeds, it is an advantage for them to have strong legs. As the hind legs tend to be long, this breed is able to offer a greater ground cover when running at full speed.

Lameness within this breed is actually a common ailment, mainly because of the fact that they have smaller sized hooves in contrast to their physiques. Brief jolts of heavy activity can also result in a "bleeding attack", also known as Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage. These horses also often battle with orthopedic complications.

Due to their incredible speed as well as agility, smaller sized horses of this particular breed are frequently sought after in order to be used as polo ponies. Almost all foals associated with this breed of horses are considered to always be born on January the 1st. It does not matter if the foal was not born on this day.

A thoroughbred is generally not recognized by the Jockey Club if there was not a vet or other registered person present during the mating process. In such circumstances, foals may not be registered, resulting in them not being able to race. In the event of artificial insemination, a veterinary certificate will be needed in order for the foal to be registered.




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