How to Choose a Thoroughbred Horse

The Thoroughbred horse is the premier long-distance race horse in the world.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 8-foot Lead Rope
• Halter

1. Identify Thoroughbred horses by their sleek, muscular bodies.

2. Measure the adult Thoroughbred at 16 to 17.3 hands, with a weight of 1,000 to 1,300 pounds.

3. Appreciate the beauty of the Thoroughbred's long legs and slender body, which make it ideal for racing.

4. Note that being high-strung and sensitive gives Thoroughbreds an edge and helps them to compete successfully as race horses.

5. Be aware that insemination by artificial means is not currently allowed or sanctioned by the Thoroughbred industry. All breeding must be accomplished through live coverage, in which the mare is physically bred by the stud.

6. Appreciate the beauty of Thoroughbreds in a range of colors.

7. Note that being tall allows Thoroughbreds to excel at jumping.

8. Be aware that being a graceful mover helps the Thoroughbred to excel at most of the English disciplines.

9. Locate organizations that exist to protect retired racehorses and that work to find these horses new homes.

Tips & Warnings

• Because Thoroughbreds are so tall, owners and handlers need to be aware of the environment surrounding the horse so it doesn't injure itself in trailers and stalls.
• Before you purchase a horse, spend time with it and get to know its personality. Horses have personalities, just as humans do.
• Because the Thoroughbred has a tendancy to be high-strung, it might not make a good horse for a child or inexperienced rider.

[rj1178]

on 10/20/2008 i'm with skeeziks. What if you want a TB for pleasure riding?

[skeeziks]

on 2/26/2008 This is a stupid article. What about conformation? What about sources of unsoundness? What about suitability under saddle?

[madeliner]

on 11/27/2007 There is such a stunning amount of misinformation in this article that it presents a clear danger to someone believing what is written here. Between Difficulty: easy and the last tip, hardly anything is correct. Use caution.

[mammalbiologist]

on 10/2/2007 what about a thoroughbred for trail riding and what about a heavy man riding htem? Are there things I should be aware of? so far he is sweet and kind and does not run away with us, but I worry my husband might be too heavy? email me with your comments if you wish. [e-mail]

[krapetats]

on 7/18/2007 I am new to the English Discipline and have the opportunity to raise and train a 3mo old TB Filly. I am desperately trying to find unbiased information on how to determine if her conformation will make her a fantastic jumper. I want to start her slowly, very slowly, lots of ground work, I have my own arena and 10 acres of land but can only have one, maybe two horses due to financial constraints. I really want a horse I can grow with and eventually jump big. Your comments on TB disposition have really helped inform me -- I just don't know how to test a prospective horse -- thoughts?