Throughbreds

The thoroughbreds that are around today came about from England in the 17th and 18th centuries. The native mares were crossed with Arabian Stallions produce the thoroughbreds as we know them today. Arabs are originally from really hot regions of the world. This is why thoroughbreds are thinned skinned and typically need a blanket in the cold of winter. Thoroughbreds are know for being hot headed, high spirited, and athletic. They typically stand any where from 15.2 hands to 17 hands high. These horses pretty much come in all colors including chestnut, bay, gray, and black. They are mainly used for racing, but are also good at polo, stadium jumping, combined training, eventing, and dressage. The prices of thoroughbreds depend greatly on pedigree, conformation and skill. The Keeneland Sales in 2007 sold 9,124 horses at an auction with a total value of 814,401,000. This gives an average of 89,250 dollars. The Jockey Club indicates that for a weanling sold it is about 44,407 dollars. Horses that are sold for this much have amazing pedigrees and skills or potential skills. Thoroughbreds have a very high accident rate along with health problems. Two horses every day suffer from career breaking injuries. It is estimated that one tenth of all thoroughbreds suffer from fractures or orthopedic problems. The health concerns are just as high. They are prone to have problems with bleeding from the lungs from exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage. These breeds have an average of 10% low fertility, and 5% with abnormally small hears. When compared to there body mass they have relatively small hooves. The soles are thing and the walls lack cartilage mass this results in a sore foot.