Thoroughbred

Yellow Creek conformation shot at the Royal Horse Show

Intro

Predominately known for their racehorse lineage the Thoroughbred is a symbol of speed and stamina and it’s bloodlines are the single greatest influence on the world’s horse population.

Origins

Dark Bay Thoroughbred
Originating in England in the 17th and 18th centuries the breed was given life during the rule of Henry VIII, who was the first royal patron of horse racing.

Henry imported Spanish horses of Barb influence to enhance the local running stock.

It has been established that 84% of Thoroughbred genes come from 31 original ancestors. The three main sires being The Byerley Turk, The Darley Arabian and The Godolphin Arabian.

Since the 1770’s more and more Arabian blood as been introduced to refine the Thoroughbred line.

Features

Average height 15.2 hands
Fast and active
Brave and built for endurance
Low, flat movement

Physique

Alert, refined head
Long and graceful neck
Long, sloped shoulders
Long, lean body
Strong hindquarters
Legs are fine and long with well-formed joints

Traditional Colors:

Sandtrap by Irish River from Timely Reserve.  He is Standing at Java Lodge.smudge5-07-kClassic Suzy by Classic Fame from Suzy Harbour family 2KAY4 5.05Dappled Grey Thoroughbred
Solid colors

Temperament

Bold
Brave
Spirited

Pros:
Fast and eager to please

Cons:
High strung, and can be a problem if adopted off the track

Use

Racehorse
Racing
Show horse
Competition horse
Pleasure / trail horse

Helpful Links

*All links open in a new window
National Thoroughbred Racing Association
National Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association
Thoroughbred Breeders Association
Thoroughbred Times
Thoroughbred Horse Pedigree Queary

Where to Buy

Equinenow.com
Horsetopia
Bits and Bytes Farm
Free Horse Ads

Thoroughbred Studs

Thoroughbred Times Stallion directory
Stallion Register online
Stud farm directory
Stallion Directory
O Horse

Throroughbred Art

Equine Art Guild
Lisa Miller
Horse racing art
Horse Art Collection
jeanner on flickr

Thoroughbred Books and Reading

Thoroughbred horse books
Thoroughbred books on Amazon
Racehorsebook.com

Video