The Thoroughbred
Horse racing, which had always been popular in England, reached new heights of popularity during the reign of Charles II. The fastest of the native mares, which included the now-extinct Galloway ponies, had for some time been crossed with imported Arabians, Barbs, and Turks in order to improve the speed and performance of these "running horses". Gradually, a better class of racing emerged.
Although many Arabian stallions were being used at this time, three in particular were very influential. The first to arrive in England was the Byerley Turk, which was put to stud in 1690. Next was the Darley Arabian, which arrived in 1704. The Darley Arabian was the great-grandsire of Eclipse, the most famous race horse of all time. The Darley Arabian also sire Flying Childers, who was never beaten. The last was the Godolphin Arabian, which arrived in 1728.
These stallions were crossed with the best of the English racing mares so successfully that all Thoroughbreds registered in the General Stud Book, started in 1791, can be traced back to them. It is interesting that none of these stallions had themselves been raced. The popularity of the Arabian blood was probably due to the fact that it provided quality and the ability to breed true racing type.
As horse racing developed into an industry, breeders began to pay great attention to pedigree, and to use only horses that proved themselves on the track. In the beginning, Thoroughbreds were raced over long distances of about 4 to 12 miles, but gradually the demand grew for shorter races so that the horses could be raced at a younger age. They became better fed and looked after, and as a result, the breed became taller and faster, until it reached its peak in 1850. Since then the Thoroughbred has changed little.
Foreign interest in the Thoroughrbed has always been strong, and it has been exported in large numbers. It is now bred all over the world, and several countries are famous for producing top-class horses. In oarticular, the United States is known for its outstanding young sprinters, and France for its middle-distance horses and stayers. Ireland also breeds consistently top-class Thoroughbreds.
The Thoroughbred, with its good conformation, long easy action, and good balance, also provides a perfect riding horse. Crossed with horses with a calmer temperment, it produces excellent show jumpers, event horses, hunters, and dressage horses. It has been used in the creation of many modern breeds of sports horses, such as the Anglo-Arab, the Hanovarian, the Trakehner, and the Westphalian.
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Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Association