Thoroughbred
breed of horse
Thoroughbred, breed of horse developed in England for racing and jumping (see photograph). The origin of the Thoroughbred may be traced back to records indicating that a stock of Arab and Barb horses was introduced into England as early as the 3rd century. Natural conditions favoured development of the original stock, and selective breeding was encouraged by those interested in racing. Under the reigns of James I and Charles I, 43 mares—the so-called Royal Mares—were imported into England, and a record, the General Stud Book, was begun in which were listed only those horses that may be traced back to the Royal Mares in direct line, or to one of three other horses imported to England: the Byerly Turk (imported in 1689), the Darley Arabian (after 1700), and the Godolphin Barb (about 1730). The English Thoroughbred has since been introduced to most countries, where it is bred for racing or used to improve local breeds. A son of the Darley Arabian, Bulle Rock, was imported to Virginia in 1730. During the following 45 years, 186 Thoroughbreds imported from England became the foundation of Thoroughbred breeding in the United States.
Thoroughbreds have delicate heads, slim bodies, broad chests, and short backs. Their short leg bones allow a long, easy stride. They are sensitive and high-spirited. Averaging 16 hands (64 inches, or 163 cm) high and weighing about 1,000 pounds (450 kg) at maturity, Thoroughbreds are usually bay, chestnut, brown, black, or gray. Outstanding for speed and stamina, they have been combined with and have improved several other breeds of horses. The term thoroughbred is sometimes incorrectly used to mean purebred, but Thoroughbreds are a specific breed, registered in the General Stud Book of the English Jockey Club, organized about 1750, or in the studbooks of similar clubs in other countries.
A horse having only one Thoroughbred parent is called a Grade Thoroughbred in the United States and a half-bred in Great Britain. Grade Thoroughbreds may be used as hunters, polo ponies, stock horses, or riding horses, depending on their training.
See the Table of Selected Breeds of Light Horses for further information.
name
origin
height (hands)*
aptitude
characteristics
comments
*1 hand = 4 inches (10.16 cm).
Akhal-Teke
Turkmenistan
14.2–16
riding, racing
long neck carried almost perpendicular to body; long, slender legs; metallic golden-dun colour is unique to the breed
ancient breed; noted for its endurance and speed
American Paint Horse
U.S.
15–16
riding
two colour patterns—overo and tobiano—determined by location of white markings
developed from Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, and Paint breeds; versatile riding horse
American Quarter Horse
U.S.
14.2–16
riding, racing, herding
short, fine head with a straight profile; short back; long, powerful croup and shoulders; well-muscled thighs, gaskins, and forearms
one of the most popular breeds; noted for its agility and quick bursts of speed; adapts easily to any riding discipline
American Saddlebred
U.S.
15–16
riding, light draft
small head with long neck lying almost vertical to shoulder; short back; level croup with high tail carriage
performs three gaits (walk, trot, canter) or five gaits (three plus slow gait, rack)
Andalusian
Spain
15.1–15.3
riding
arched neck; round and muscular hindquarters with low-set tail; mane and tail are often profuse and wavy
influenced breeds worldwide; used in bullfights
Appaloosa
U.S.
14.2–16
riding
several colour patterns: snowflake, leopard, marble, frost, and blanket; black and white striped hooves
descended from the spotted horses of the Nez Percé Indians; influenced by Arabian and, most recently, American Quarter Horse blood
Arabian
Middle East
14–15
riding, light draft
head profile is uniquely concave (dished), tapering to a dainty muzzle; wide-set, large eyes; long, graceful neck; short back; flat croup with distinctive high tail carriage
has refined almost every breed worldwide; considered one of the most beautiful horses; noted for its stamina, excels in endurance competitions
Argentine Criollo
Argentina
14
riding
short, deep body; long head; heavily muscled
one of the soundest breeds; descended from the Barb, Arab, and Andalusian; common throughout South America; noted for its endurance
Cleveland Bay
England
16–16.2
riding, light and medium draft, farm work
powerful and substantial build; short legs; always bay in colour
oldest British breed; often crossed with Thoroughbreds to produce excellent hunters and sport horses
Hanoverian
Germany
15.3–17
riding, light draft
long, muscular neck; deep body; powerful hindquarters
excels in dressage and show jumping; elegant, fluid gaits; developed from Holstein, influenced by Thoroughbred and Trakehner blood
Lipizzaner
Austria (now in Slovenia)
15–16.1
riding, harness, draft, farm work
long head with crested neck; compact, powerful body; foals are born black or brown in colour and usually mature to white-gray
descended from Spanish horses; famous for its association with the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, where it is trained in difficult "high school" movements
Missouri Fox Trotting Horse
U.S.
14–16
riding
wide, deep-chested body; muscular hind legs
noted for its natural smooth "fox-trot" gait, the horse canters with the front feet while trotting with the hind, producing little movement in the back
Morgan
U.S.
14.1–15.2
riding, light draft
fine head with arched neck; well-defined withers; long, sloping shoulders; muscular hindquarters
descended from one prepotent stallion; noted for its versatility; possesses great stamina
Paso Fino
Puerto Rico
14–15
riding
medium-sized; small head with large, wide-set eyes; legs delicate in appearance
noted for its natural four-beat lateral gait, in which the hind foot touches the ground a fraction of a second before the front; gait executed at three speeds—paso fino, paso corto, and paso largo
Standardbred
U.S.
15–16
harness racing, riding
long, sloping, muscular hindquarters; long, thick mane and tail; typically bay in colour
primarily used for harness racing
Tennessee Walking Horse
U.S.
15–16
riding
solid build; sturdy, muscular legs; numerous colours and markings
noted for its running walk, a natural smooth four-beat gait in which the horse's head nods in rhythm with the rise and fall of its hooves; considered the most naturally good-tempered horse breed
Thoroughbred, also called English Thoroughbred
England
15–17
riding, flat and jump racing
large, expressive eyes; exceptionally long, sloping shoulders; fine-boned legs with small hooves; thin skin
bred primarily for racing, but also excels at dressage, eventing, and jumping; possesses great stamina and courage; bred extensively to improve other breeds
Trakehner
East Prussia (now in Lithuania)
16–17
riding, light draft
refined head with large, expressive eyes; long, elegant neck; strong, sloping shoulders
considered one of the most elegant European warmbloods; excels at dressage and show jumping; influenced by Thoroughbred and Arabian blood
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