Thoroughbred horse
By Jennifer Quintanilla
About the Throughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of pure breed horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed.
Origin
The thoroughbred is a breed of horse that developed in England for racing and jumping. The origin of the thoroughbred may be traced back to the records indicating that a stock of Arab and barb was introduced to England as early as the 3rd century.
Color Patter
TOBIANO-This is a fairly recent addition to the Thoroughbred gene pool and not yet fully recognized. The tobiano pattern is distinguished by the white pattern crossing the horse's back between the withers and tail, whereas frame overo never crosses the back. This pattern has been bred into the Thoroughbred from other breeds, and the other contributing breeds are being outbred to preserve the Thoroughbred bloodline as well as the pattern.
Distinguishing characteristics
their bodies are lean and sleek, often looking leggy. Their coats are generally thinner than other breeds, even in the middle of winter. This gives them reason to 'feel the cold' and be a little neurotic. Sometimes, this breed can be slightly accident prone or highly strung, due to their nervous dispositions. It takes a confident rider to handle this breed of horse.
Interesting fact
The first Thoroughbred to arrive in America was a stallion named Bulle Rock, by the Darley Arabian. He was imported to Virginia in 1730 by Samuel Gist. In 1757, Janus, a grandson of Godolphin Arabian, was imported and became the founder of the Quarter Horse breed. Diomed, who was imported in 1800 was the most important Thoroughbred imported to America in its early years. Lexington, by Boston, was foaled in 1850 and was the greatest sire of the 1800s.