Of Thoroughbreds and Racing

When we speak of horse racing, the horse that comes to mind is the Thoroughbred. What exactly is the Thoroughbred and why is it synonymous with horse racing? Get to know this horse in this article.

Bred primarily for their speed, Thoroughbreds are race horses at heart. They are not only that, however. They are used in show jumping, dressage and other riding disciplines as well. While the tern "thoroughbred" is used interchangeably to refer to any "purebred" horse, the Thoroughbred (with the capital T) is actually a distinct breed that traces its roots to three foundation stallions: the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian. These were imported into England from the Middle East sometime in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. When bred to the local stock, these horses produced offspring that were strong and speedy.

The usual Thoroughbred stands from 15 to 17 hands or 62 to 68 inches. They come in various colors, from those as rare as white to those as common as chestnut, black and seal brown. Breeders usually look for horses with a well-chiseled head that stands on a long neck and high withers (highest part of the back at the base of the neck). They also have fine hair, long sloping shoulders, lean muscle and a big chest for their powerful lungs and heart.

While they can have racy and nervous temperaments, their bold and spirited nature makes them good race horses. Their athleticism, speed and character make enable them to give their all in any race, thus making them more prone to death due to accidents in the race track. Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPC) or bleeding in the lungs due to intense exercise is common in as many as 70% of race horses.

Some of the racehorses who have made a name for themselves in the track include Man O'War, Secretariat and Whirlaway. Because of the high-spiritedness of the Thoroughbred, they are not the usual choice for beginners. But for those who have been on the mount for a long time, their smooth and powerful gaits make for one hell of a ride.

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