The horse riding community out there will be well aware of what a thoroughbred horse is and how valued they are in the world of the equine. But for those people who have no interest in anything to do with horses, there will be a number of them who understand that the word thoroughbred is indeed similar to that of pedigree, and has something to do with breeding. So, let’s have a closer look what it means to be thoroughbred and why they are so talked about.
- Alongside a number of our beloved canine friends, thoroughbred horse breeds are definitely one of the most highly valued breeds around the world.
Loved by Many
Thoroughbreds are famed for their popularity due to their outstanding skills seen on any racetrack. However, they will also see them pounding the ground on many other types of equestrian events, and many of the horses which you will see competing at the Olympic level, are at least part thoroughbred. These well-loved and beautiful animals are also seen being ridden on occasions such as eventing, show jumping, dressage, and various other equestrian contests.
- The smaller kind of thoroughbreds have always been in big demand to be used as polo ponies.
But, perhaps surprisingly, for events such as casual and trail riding, the majority of thoroughbreds are not normally considered as being a first choice horse. On the racetracks, the majority of horses competing there are Thoroughbreds, which right there should be a clear example of the amount of energy and stamina which is common in this breed.
The Thoroughbred’s Roots Go Way Back in Time
The origins of the thoroughbred can amazingly be traced all the way back in time to the 17th century, where in England, there happened to be at the time, three Arabian stallions which had been brought back from the Middle east. These same three were then mated with English mares, to bring forth a completely new breed of hoofed animal.
- And as extraordinary as it may sound, every one of today’s thoroughbreds around the world happens to still carry the bloodline of the Godolphin Arabian, the Byerly Turk, or the Darley Arabian.
From the merger of this Arabian stock with the strong and sturdy English horses, there then came forth a breed which shined at being not only being competitive, but also, fiery, powerful, and big hearted in each and every kind of contest.
Thoroughbred horse breeding, was, and still is aimed at creating the fastest and strongest horse available. Their great strength is put to the test racetracks all around the world, and the best of the horses are then bred in order to continue the thoroughbred line.
- Interestingly enough, today’s thoroughbred horses are somewhat faster and taller than the thoroughbreds of the 18th century.
But, Thoroughbreds are not to everybody’s Tastes
The particular features and qualities which give a thoroughbred, its great value out there on the track, are not really something which is deemed suitable by all horse riders. These horses do have a bit of a negative reputation with some riders for being somewhat difficult to handle, which basically means that they really aren’t the type of horse which should be ridden upon by a novice or youngsters.
Thoroughbreds are also in need of a good daily run, thus requiring their rider to engage in a lot of work. This is due to them soon becoming impatient and bothered if they are not taken out somewhere and given some exercise.
- Their long legs are also renowned for being easily damaged, and is one of the main reasons why a lot of people who are thoroughbred owners, prefer to keep their thoroughbred horses stabled if they aren’t being taken out for a decent workout.
- This will therefore mean that there’s a lot more time spent working the horse on the part of an owner, or someone who will be an owner in the future. So be prepared!
Colour, Endurance and Speed Issues
Thoroughbreds themselves are not bred for the likes of extensive endurance riding, which naturally makes them not at all suitable for horse riding events such as trail and endurance riding, of which, if you have an interest, you can find a lot about by going here at endurance-world.com.
- The primary focus for people who are involved in the breeding of thoroughbred horses, is to produce racehorses which have been specifically bred for their great speed and agility.
- With their unmistakeable and pronounced long necks, powerful, muscular hindquarters, long legs, and planed faces, you will be able to recognise one of these mighty beasts in an instant.
- These horses can be seen in a range of different colours with chestnuts being amongst the most familiar.
The Thoroughbred’s Diet
Like most other horses, the thoroughbred horses’ diet consists mostly of grass or hay, both of which are essential for good health. A lot of them are also given grain, especially if they’re going to be worked on a daily basis and especially if the thoroughbred is a racehorse.
- This will allow for it to have plenty of energy to use on the racetrack.
The most common type of grain they eat is that of oats, although they can also be fed barley, corn, alfalfa pellets a sweet feed mixture made up of two or more types of grain with molasses.
- Occasionally they are fed pelleted food which can contain many types of grains.
Unsurpassed Loyalty to Their Rider
If you are out there and on the lookout for a high quality competition horse which will enjoy and enthusiastically take on any challenge which you would care to introduce, the thoroughbred horse would indeed be well worth considering.
These horses transcend in many competitions, and as any current owner, (or someone who may have been in the past), will gladly inform you, they will bond closely with you as a rider and become truly loyal.
