Thoroughbred
Unmistaken Dancer
Owned by: Ken C. Falk, Highfields Farm
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Breed Description:
The Thoroughbred is the most popular racing breed in the world.
Average Height:
16-17 hands
Colors:
Bay, chestnut, grey, black, roan
Conformation:
Refined head, intelligent eyes, and a slightly longer than average neck. Thoroughbreds should show depth through the girth, the shoulders should be well-sloped and the back should be short. This breed is also characterized by muscular hindquarters, straight legs, and well let-down hocks.
Members of this breed often excel in the following disciplines:
- Racing
- Jumping / Eventing
- Dressage
Breed History:
Most Thoroughbreds can trace their ancestry to one of two Arabians (the Godolphin Arabian or the Darley Arabian), or to a stallion of middle-Eastern blood, known as the Byerly Turk. The Thoroughbred breed as we know it today was the result of deliberate crossbreeding in an effort to produce a better racehorse. The three foundation horses were bred to English mares, who were physically stronger but lacked the ability to sustain high speeds over long distances. Over the years, the classic Arabian features such as the dished face and the slender build have been bred out of the modern Thoroughbred in favor of the breakneck speed the breed is now known for.
US Breed Association:
The Jockey Club
821 Corporate Drive
Lexington,
KY
40503
home.jockeyclub.com
Do you own a Thoroughbred, or a breed that isn't listed on this website? Do you want to see a photo of your horse featured on this page? contact us to find out how.
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