Horse Talk Radio: Breed Showcase - Thoroughbred

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BREED SHOWCASE – THOROUGHBRED History The Thoroughbred was created by a small group of Englishmen during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This was a time when racing became fashionable because of royal interest and enthusiasm. In search of faster horses, the royalty and gentry of the time crossed imported stallions - fiery Turks, Barbs, and Arabs, with tough mares bred in the native area. The genetic qualities of these groups proved a good match, and it was soon figured out that a new, distinct breed had been developed. This breed was incapable of being improved by further cross breeding. Appearance The Thoroughbred is a fine-lined horse, with variances in amount of bone, length of back and legs, and size of feet. The head, on a long, gradually curving neck, is alert and refined with a bold eye. Its shoulders should be long and sloping, with well-defined, prominent withers. The body should be long and narrow, but the hindquarters should be strong, if angular. Their limbs are clearly defined, with well-formed knees and hocks, to hold up against pressure at great speeds. Their limb bones are hard and flat. Thoroughbreds are always a solid color. They can be anywhere from 14.2-17 hands tall. Uses Thoroughbreds are primarily used for racing, which has expanded hugely with the development of easier air travel. Most Thoroughbreds are made for flat racing and the most successful and best-bred horses can get huge prices. The world record for a horse sold at auction is $13.1 million, given in Kentucky in 1985, for an untried year old colt by Nijinsky. The Thoroughbred is also crossed with other breeds, to give the other breeds desirable characteristics. Thoroughbreds that were formerly raced can also be good competition horses in other disciplines, like eventing. For More Information Books Horse: The Complete Guide, by Mary Gordon Watson The Big Book of Horses, by Fran Ames & Lesley Bayley Websites www.thoroughbredtimes.com - Thoroughbred Times www.toba.org - Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders www.bloodhorse.com - Horse Breeding and Racing Info © 2006 by Warren Wechsler for Horse Talk Radio	Sponsors Hinshaw Trailer Sales