How To Do Just About Everything
By eHow Pets Editor
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The Thoroughbred horse is the premier long-distance race horse in the world.
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Comments
michlar said
on 12/31/2006 I rode as a child and rode Western. I am now taking English riding lessons. The first horse I started on was a pony, the second a quarter horse. I was a huge quarter horse fan and still remain so. My latest horse is a thoroughbred and is maginificent. He is the "Cadillac" of the stables. He is smart, he is sensitive and a pleasure to ride. As a relative beginner to English riding, I don't find him tempermental at all, he can be a big baby but he is also very kind and patient. I love to watch them run!!
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 I have owned my Thoroughbred since he was weaned. He is 17.3 hands and is like a big dog when in his pasture. He is extremely energetic as he was bred to be a sport horse. He can be a handful, however, he is extremely willing, very good natured and extremely sensitive. I think to say that any breed is mean or clumsy, is like categorizing an ethnic group of people one way or the other. I own 2 Standardbreds, a Thoroughbred, a Quarter horse and a half Arab half Tennessee Walker. They all are different and all great horses. My Arab/Tennessee walker is now 26--in his younger days we did some endurance riding and all of the Arab folks snubbed their noses at him because he was not full blooded Arab. This sort of attitude makes me sick. Thoroughbreds are very sensitive babies, and need and deserve a quiet, gentle hand.
Anonymous said
on 1/18/2006 I have been showing Thoroughbred hunters and jumpers for 40 years. Over that time I have owned about 200 Thoroughbreds. I am also familiar with most other breeds.
If you are planning on buying a Thoroughbred (frequently called "TBs") there are certain positive and negative points you should consider.
First off, remember that a Thoroughbred is a distinct breed, just as a collie is a breed of dog. Many people confuse Thoroughbred with the term purebred. TBs are all derived from three founding sires and have been developed for hundreds of years as the ultimate in a sporting horse.
TBs have personalities as varied as people, but they are not nervous uncontrollable animals. They are larger than many other breeds and they are very smart and alert. They are also very loyal to their owners. They make great friends. Off of race tracks they are usually very laid back. If you are buying for a first time do not buy a TB off the track.
Remember that TBs were and are bred for performance. They are strong eager contenders. No other breed compares. If you are buying for simple pleasure riding, I suggest that you get an older horse that has a lot of experience. He will take very good care of you. On the other hand, if you want to show at major shows, the Thoroughbred confirmation and grace is almost a must if you want to get pinned.
As always; try before you buy. It is wise to try the horse 3 to 5 times each time under different circumstances, not just in a ring. Try him outside in an open field and on a trail if possible. A quality TB will handle himself well under all conditions.
Thoroughbreds tend to have a longer stride than other breeds. Don't confuse taking a longer stride with going fast. It's not the same thing.
TBs need a bit more care than other breeds. You will need the best feed, and alfalfa hay is the hay most TBs are brought up on. Contrary to popular belief, this will not cause colic. Our horses, just like track horses, have hay in front of them all the time and are grained twice a day with a third small (1 quart) grain portion at lunch. If you use cheap feed, and do not feed enough, a TB will lose weight and condition. Consult with your veterinarian on exact feed amounts. Their coats are sometimes thinner than other breeds, so proper sheets and blankets are needed in winter in the colder areas.
Before you buy, always have a full veterinary examination done. This should include X-rays of the front feet. Always get a highly experienced large animal veterinarian only to do the exam. It should also be a veterinarian that does not know the horse or the person you are getting it from.
If you buy a TB for the first time, you will be amazed at how smart they are and how well they will communicate with you. TBs are almost like a narcotic. Once you have experienced them you simply can't get away from them! They are very quick to learn but they are still sensitive, performance bred horses, so you need to learn to ride as quietly as possible.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 I have been around horses for as long as I can remember, but I am still on my first horse. I now have two Thoroughbreds and yes, they can be high strung, but that's just the way they are. In fact, the two are completely different in every way, but both of them have the heart and the will to try and do what I ask of them. Both are off the track and are being retrained, and I cannot believe just how willing my mare is. The breed is just full of personality, love, affection, and power. They were bred to be athletes, and the truth is, that's all they know how to do. But the thing that makes them stand out is their willingness to learn. Both of my horses would rather stick their nose into something than run away from it. Once they know that you're their friend, you've got the best partner you can have.
Anonymous said
on 1/9/2008 The only horses I have ever had are TB race horses. These horses are very smart and respond according to how they are treated. Mine are all gentle and loving. When I ship into a track they know their job. I have had trouble with some due to the way trainers treated them, so I now take care of my own and ship in. These horses do anything I ask of them. When the little kids are around you tell the horse to be nice to the babies, and they drop their head for a hug and a treat. I have seen many mean ones, but have also witnessed their treatment. Think about how would you react to someone that was not nice to you. I love these horses and when they are done racing I pay to have them retrained and find them good homes. I have even donated some to families and 2 of my horses are now being used as lesson horses for children. So if you have a high strung, unruly or mean TB, there must have been a problem with treatment somewhere along the line. I don't believe it is bloodlines either, as mine have some of the top bloodlines in racing.