The origins of the thoroughbred horse can be traced back to Great Britain. He stands approximately 152 to 173 cm and weighs between 455 and 590 kg. The breed is mainly created for horse racing.
The thoroughbred horse has a strong personality and high levels of stamina and speed. He is not the best match for families and beginners. However, intermediate and experienced handlers can work well with this breed of horse.
The average lifespan of the thoroughbred horse is 25 to 28 years. Proper care and attention will ensure that he will live a long life that may even exceed these ages. Since he is prone to several health issues, vet check-ups should be done regularly.
History
Where did the thoroughbred originate?
In the seventeenth century, horse breeders successfully developed the thoroughbred in Great Britain. During the time of James I and Charles I, forty-three Royal Mares were introduced to England together with the General Stud Book. It is believed that the lineage of the modern thoroughbreds can be traced back to the Royal English Mares listed in the General Stud Book.
Others speculated that the breed was created from three foundation sires namely the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian, and Godolphin Barb. Selective breeding was made to ensure that the thoroughbred produced is a high-quality racehorse. If you are looking for a thoroughbred horse, check out our For Sale and Rehoming page.
Appearance
How tall are thoroughbreds?
A fully mature thoroughbred horse grows around 152–173 cm (15–17 hands or 60–68 inches). If you are looking for a thoroughbred for racing, the ideal size is around 16–17 hands (162–172 cm).
How much does a thoroughbred weigh?
The ideal weight for an adult thoroughbred is around 455–590 kg. The breed grows faster compared to other horse breeds. He reaches 84 per cent of his maturity once he turns six months old. He will reach his full size when he’s four to five years of age.
What does a Thoroughbred look like?
The thoroughbred horse has a sturdy, athletic body. His head is refined, whilst his neck is sleek and long. He has sloping shoulders and powerful. muscled hindquarters.
The coat colours of the thoroughbred are bay, black, brown, chestnut, and grey. Although most horses have no markings, some sport various white markings on their faces and legs, including blazes or stockings.
Grooming
How to care for a thoroughbred
Keep your thoroughbred’s coat free from dirt and tangles by brushing it at least twice or thrice a week. Note that the thoroughbred breed has thinner skin compared to other horses. Therefore, be extra careful when brushing in order not to hurt him. It is advised to use a brush with natural bristles rather than nylon.
During bath time, use a mild shampoo as harsh ones can irritate his skin and lessen the sheen of his coat. Consider opting for dry shampoo when winter season starts. Do not forget to check your thoroughbred horse for any injuries or pesky parasites such as mites. Then remove mud and grime off his hooves using a hoof pick.
Uses
How fast can a thoroughbred run?
The thoroughbred horse was selectively bred primarily for horse racing. His strong, robust body and long legs allow him to run at least 40 miles per hour. He does well in other equine activities as well including eventing, polo, jumping, fox hunting, and dressage.
The thoroughbred is also useful for pleasure driving, trail riding, and general riding. Spirited and full of vigour, this horse is speedy and high in stamina. Due to his ‘hot’ temperament, he may not be the best option as a family or beginner’s mount.
Nutrition
What should a thoroughbred eat?
The diet of a thoroughbred should be composed of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Fresh grass, oats, hay, and other grains are a must in his daily meals. Only give your thoroughbred treats occasionally. Excessive amounts can lead him to develop health problems such as digestive upset and gaining too much weight.
Be sure to provide fresh water every day as well to keep him well-hydrated and reduce the risk of heatstroke. Keep in mind that the thoroughbred horse has a fast metabolism. Thus, he requires more feeding compared to other horse breeds.
Health
How long does a thoroughbred live?
The thoroughbred horse has an average lifespan of twenty-five to twenty-eight. Others can even live past these ages if given proper care. To help your thoroughbred live a happy and long life, provide him consistently with his daily needs.
Health concerns are major factors that can greatly affect his longevity. Thus, it is important to keep track of his health through regular vet check-ups. The following is a list of common health problems in thoroughbreds that you should be aware of:
- Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage
- Colic
- Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis
- Gastric ulcer
- Lower airway disease
Cost of Ownership
How much does a thoroughbred cost?
The price range of a thoroughbred is between £2,000 and £6,000. Yearly expenses for his livery cost around £1,000–£7,000 depending on the type you chose. Approximately £250–£530 is the annual cost for his feed, and £120–£1,560 for his shavings, hay, and straw.
Vets and dentists may charge at least £70 for each check-up session. Deworming your thoroughbred will require you to pay at least £40–£105. Payment for trimming and shoeing can range from £225 to £765 a year. If you plan to get him insured, prepare around £20–£40 each month for his insurance bills.
What do buyers look for when buying a thoroughbred yearling?
There are several factors to look into when selecting a thoroughbred yearling. His pedigree plays an important role in gauging if he is a suitable choice. He must have a well-balanced body without any signs of deformities too. It is important to observe his gait as well.
Ensure that it is free-flowing, which is made up of long strides needed for racing. Don’t forget to take into consideration the budget that you need to set aside for purchasing a healthy and strong thoroughbred yearling.
Fun Facts
- Unlike some horse breeds that thrived in natural wild habitats, the thoroughbred existed in human-related habitats. He can be commonly found in pastures and farmlands.
- The thoroughbred became widely popular around the globe because of horse racing. He was then imported to North America, South America, Australia, Japan, and other parts of Europe.
