The Thoroughbred

The Thoroughbred is a breed of horse whose ancestry traces back more than 300 years to three foundation stallions: the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian, and the Byerly Turk. Named for their respective owners -- Thomas Darley, Lord Godolphin, and Captain Robert Byerly -- these stallions were imported into England from the Mediterranean Middle East around the turn of the 17th century and bred to the stronger but less precocious native mares. The result was an animal that could carry weight with sustained speed over extended distances.

On average, the Thoroughbred stands a little over 16 hands to the withers and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds. The Thoroughbred's conformation enables it to reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour. At that rate, the Thoroughbred covers nearly 60 feet per second.

The Thoroughbred's rear legs act much like springs as they bend and straighten during running. This tremendous "spring power" helps thrust the Thoroughbred forward as its front legs provide "pull." The head and long neck also help to make running smooth and rhythmic. The neck moves in synchrony with the forelegs, aiding the Thoroughbred in its forward motion and extending the "arc of flight" -- the time the Thoroughbred literally is airborne.

Blessed with agility, grace, speed, stamina, and courage, Thoroughbreds are ideally suited for any number of disciplines beyond the racetrack. Thoroughbreds compete at the highest levels of international competition in eventing, show jumping and dressage, and make outstanding hunters, steeplechasers, barrel racers, and polo mounts. They are also used by mounted police patrols and recreational riders who appreciate their intelligence and versatility.

Information reprinted with permission from The Jockey Club website, www.jockeyclub.com. Photo by Softeis.