The fastest of all horses, thoroughbreds, are known as the royalty of horseracing.<\/p>\n
In fact, these strong, graceful bundles of energy have fascinated horse enthusiasts since their racing debut centuries ago.<\/p>
The breed is best known for its use in horseracing.<\/p>\n
These horses are unrivalled for their speed and stamina over distances from 800m to 6 000m.<\/p>
Thoroughbreds are expected to carry weights in the range of 50 to 60kgs in races.<\/p>\n
They have a strong natural inclination to compete against other horses, a trait which has been developed since the breed was founded in England during the 17th century.<\/p>\n
Modern thoroughbreds trace their roots to three foundation stallions in 17th century Britain.<\/p>\n
These three stallions \u2013 the Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, and Byerly Turk, each named for their owners \u2013 were imported into England to breed with select, native racing stock.<\/p>\n
The result was a strong fast horse that could work extended distances.<\/p>\n
This powerful, yet graceful, breed quickly became the favoured race horse in England, America and, eventually, around the world.<\/p>\n
Their average height is approximately 163cm (16hh).<\/p>\n
By far the majority of these horses are bay, brown, chestnut, black or roan in colour, with about five per cent turning out grey.<\/p>\n
Thoroughbreds may be marked with stars, blazes, stockings, or socks, however, white markings generally do not appear on the horse\u2019s body.<\/p>\n
Bred for stamina, athleticism and speed, thoroughbreds are the embodiment of physical strength.<\/p>\n
They have well-chiseled heads with widely spaced, and intelligent eyes.<\/p>\n
Their necks are long, withers high, and chests deep.<\/p>\n
Their well-defined stature continues through an evenly curved back, lean, muscular body, and clean, long legs.<\/p>\n
During their racing career (generally two to eight years of age), different individuals weigh between 475 and 540 kg.<\/p>\n
Thoroughbreds are hot-blooded racehorses bred to be spirited and bold.<\/p>\n
The strong physique of thoroughbreds allows them to reach speeds up to 64km\/h.<\/p>\n
This elegant breed also exhibits a profound amount of grace and courage under saddle.<\/p>\n
They are suited for a variety of disciplines beyond the racetrack, including eventing, showjumping, dressage and polo.<\/p>\n
Pedigree recording has been carefully maintained for around 250 years \u2013 no other creature has been so carefully documented and strictly controlled.<\/p>\n
About 120 000 foals are registered worldwide per annum.<\/p>\n
All thoroughbreds in the Southern Hemisphere officially become a year older on August 1 in order to standardise racing for each generation.<\/p>\n
Problems which commonly affect racehorses are epistaxis (bleeding from the lungs during races), bone chips (front knees), sprained tendons and colic.<\/p>\n
Low fertility affects production on the stud farms.<\/p>\n
Information obtained from www.tba.co.za.<\/p>\n
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