{"id":1735,"date":"2022-03-10T10:59:04","date_gmt":"2022-03-10T10:59:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horseycounsel.com\/?p=1735"},"modified":"2022-03-11T10:32:06","modified_gmt":"2022-03-11T10:32:06","slug":"the-thoroughbred-the-pinnacle-of-horse-breeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horseycounsel.com\/the-thoroughbred-the-pinnacle-of-horse-breeding\/","title":{"rendered":"The Thoroughbred: The Pinnacle of Horse Breeding"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"thoroughbred\"<\/p>\n

Unlike many other breeds, the thoroughbred has bridged the gap between the equine world and the rest of the world. It\u2019s not unusual to hear people refer to athletic animals as thoroughbred, meaning they are top quality, one of the best. Most racehorses worldwide are thoroughbreds. Thoroughbreds win the most prestigious races and the greats become household names. Red Rum, Secretariat<\/a>, and Phar Lap are legendary horses from different corners of the world, all thoroughbreds.<\/p>\n

The origin of the thoroughbred.<\/h2>\n

While they are now bred worldwide with some people finding some small distinctions between thoroughbreds from different continents, the first thoroughbreds were British. James I, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland began importing quality mares to breed better, faster horses with more stamina. The 43 mares imported during his reign and the reign of Charles I became known as the Royal Mares. This started the first General Studbook.<\/p>\n

Later, 3 Arabian stallions were imported to improve the quality of this new studbook. The Darley Arabian, The Godolphin Arabian, and The Byerley Turk. It is said that all thoroughbreds can be traced to at least one of these 3 stallions or the original 43 mares.<\/p>\n

Recognize Darley and Godolphin?<\/em><\/strong> His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has helped these names remain at the forefront of our minds. His racing operation is named Godolphin and his recognizable all-blue silks are seen on racecourses around the world. His breeding operation, named Darley, has some of the most competitive Stud Fee Terms<\/a> available.<\/p>\n

Fun Fact:<\/em><\/strong> Did you know a thoroughbred has to be conceived naturally to be considered a thoroughbred and allowed to race?<\/p>\n

This is to limit the number of mares a stallion can cover each year. Not only can this help level out the market, allowing more stallion owners to breed, but it also helps maintain some genetic variety.<\/p>\n

Common features of the thoroughbred.<\/h2>\n

Thoroughbreds really do come in all shapes and sizes. A Grand National runner will look very different from a 5-furlong sprinter. Even within races, the horses can look very different. However, there are features you can find in most thoroughbreds:<\/p>\n