Home › Horse Breeds A–Z › Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
Equus ferus caballus
The racehorse — a lean, long-legged athlete bred for flat-out speed over distance.
How to spot it
A tall, slim horse of roughly 15.2 to 17 hands (157 to 173 cm) with long legs, a deep chest, fine skin and a long neck. Usually bay, chestnut, brown, black or grey.
Temperament
Bold, sensitive and highly energetic — bred to want to run. That fire suits experienced riders; retired racehorses often retrain beautifully for sport and leisure once they settle.
What it's bred for
Developed in 17th and 18th century England from Arabian, Barb and Turkoman stallions over native mares, purely for racing. It also founds and refreshes most warmblood and sport-horse breeds.
Care & upkeep
A hot-blooded horse with a high metabolism that often needs more feed than hardier breeds to hold condition. The thin coat gives little protection, so it needs rugging and shelter in cold or wet weather.
Health & lifespan
Typically 25 to 30 years. The breed can be prone to thin-soled feet, gastric ulcers and, in racing, exercise-induced lung bleeding; sound management and good farriery matter.
Menu