Oz Horses

The Thoroughbred

28th November, 2005

Origin

The Thoroughbred breed began in England between 1650 and 1750AD. The original breed was derived from crossing English racing horses and horses from the Middle East. “ Three horses have been accepted as being “founding fathers” of the breed, namely the Byerley Turk, imported 1689, the Darley Arabian, imported 1705, and the Godolphin Arabian imported in 1705” (Hartley-Edwards,1977).

Interestingly, the Byerly Turk was captured from the Turks at Buda, and he was used as Colonel Byerley’s mount for further campaigns before going to stud. The Godolphin Arabian is rumoured to have been pulling carts in Paris prior to being bought by a Mr Coke in 1729.(Fraser and Manolson, 1979).

Characteristics

The thoroughbred is noted for its clean lines, fine bone and light structure. The head is usually fine clean set on a long slender neck.

Height: between 14.2hh and 17hh

Colours: Usually brown, bay, chestnut and grey, colours must be solid. White marking are acceptable on the face and legs.

Temperament

The thoroughbred is generally a more lively type of horse, however many very quite thoroughbreds can be found.

Suitability to Sports

The thoroughbred is bred to race, on the flat or over a steeple-chase course in some countries. It is reputed to be the fastest horse over middle distance.

Thoroughbreds often find themselves competing in a number of equestrian sports after their racing career is over. You will find thoroughbreds competing in Dressage, Showjumping and Eventing.

Thoroughbreds also find themselves on the show circuit competing in hack and led classes.

They are being infused with the Quarter Horse for barrel racing. The thoroughbred is often crossed with the Arab to give a Anglo-arab which are sought after for endurance racing.

The thoroughbred is another of the those quality foundation breeds that is often crossed with other breeds.

Happy Ozriding

References:

Frazer’s Horse Book, Dr A. Frazer and Dr F Manolson, 1979, Pitman Publishing.

Encyclopaedia of The Horse, E. Hartley-Edwards, 1977, Octopus Books.