Thoroughbred riding horse: breed description and content features

The first ancestor of modern thoroughbred riding horses appeared in the 18th century. Today, representatives of this breed are bred for sports competitions. This "localization" is due to the peculiarities of the characteristics of riding horses, which are distinguished by strong limbs and voluminous lungs, which is important for horses. This imposes certain restrictions on animal feeding.

Historical background

In the 18th century, Britain began breeding a new breed of English horses that would meet certain standards. To do this, breeders began not only to select local mares, but also to import eastern draft horses into the country.The type of the latter is not known for certain. It is believed that the oriental stallions were representatives of Turkish or Arab blood.

But it is known that the "backbone" for the future thoroughbred horses were horses named Godolphin, Darley and Byerley. And already in 1973 this breed was officially registered.

The horse Eclipse played a significant role in the development of the breed. This stallion regularly became the winner of various competitions throughout his life. After death, the researchers dissected the horse and found that it had a 23% larger heart than other horses, and stronger joints and tendons. These features Eclipse passed on to his offspring.

Features of the breed

As noted, representatives of the English riding breed have repeatedly become winners of various competitions. These horses hold the current speed record. The stallion, which belongs to this breed, was able to accelerate to 69.6 km/h.

Appearance

The race breed towers over most horses. The growth of these animals reaches 1.65-1.75 meters. The ability to run fast is provided by a non-standard, dry physique and long legs with a short torso.

An important feature of the English breed is that such horses have a large heart, voluminous light and strong joints. Such characteristics are ideal for race animals.

A Thoroughbred riding horse has the following characteristics:

• compact head with straight profile and long back;
• pointy ears;
• wide nostrils;
• long neck;
• muscular and broad back;
• oblique shoulder line;
• deep chest.

Riding horses are characterized by a taut belly and muscular legs with the correct setting. Such animals stand out against the background of representatives of other breeds due to the wide and raised croup, as well as elongated hips. Another feature of English horses is that the hairline of these horses is rare. And the color of the whole body is dark brown.

Love

Purebred English horses are temperamental, which makes it difficult to work with such horses. Animals are stubborn and freedom-loving. Because of this, the horses are difficult to subordinate to the will of the rider.

Therefore Thoroughbred riding horses are not recommended for beginner training. These animals are able to suddenly show disobedience, as a result of which the rider may fall. But it is this feature that partly provides representatives of the purebred breed with regular victories in competitions.

Productivity

The Thoroughbred is the most expensive horse breed. Therefore, animals are not used for milk or meat. Representatives of this breed are bred exclusively for racing.

Pros and cons

A distinctive feature of English riding horses is the ability of animals to transmit characteristics to their own offspring. Thanks to this, it is possible to preserve the purity of the breed.

English horses are recognized leaders in equestrian sport. The characteristics of the body and disposition described above are responsible for this feature, because of which horses tend to constantly be among the leaders.

But it is the restless character that is considered the main drawback of the breed. Mares representing this species do not breed well. Animals have a weakened immune system. Therefore, it is necessary to keep such horses in conditions of low humidity.In addition, despite a strong skeleton, English horses often develop kozi, in which the forelimbs are bent.

Nuances of content

The described features of the character and the immune system impose certain restrictions on the care and maintenance of horses and mares.

Stable

Warm and dry stables with natural (or forced) ventilation are recommended for Thoroughbred riding horses. In order to prevent diseases and ensure normal living conditions, representatives of this breed require good lighting.

Care

Thoroughbred horses - clean horses. These animals require regular bathing. It is recommended to wash horses and mares at least twice a week, using warm water and specialized shampoos. The use of laundry soap in this case is prohibited.Because of this product, the animal's skin dries and cracks.

Due to the fact that horses are regularly subjected to increased stress, after each race it is necessary to inspect the condition of the hooves and, after removing dirt, lubricate with fat.

Cleaning the barn

These animals are not able to live normally in a dirty stable. It is recommended to clean the barn 2-3 times a day. The procedure must be carried out in the morning, and then - after the first walk.

An important condition for the prevention of diseases is the daily processing of drinkers and feeders. The latter must be doused with boiling water before feeding.

Food and water

Horses are fed comprehensively, excluding artificial additives from the diet. Food should contain:

• vitamins;
• calcium;
• phosphorus;
• fats;
• carbohydrates and other trace elements.

To ensure the intake of these trace elements, animals are given:

• fresh hay (clover, timothy, legumes, cereals and grass);
• green food (when walking on pastures they give spurge, horseradish, yew, boxwood and other grass);
• vegetables and fruits;
• concentrated feed (corn, wheat, barley, oats and others).

The amount of feed is calculated based on the size and weight of the horse, as well as the stress that the horse is experiencing. On average, an animal is given up to 10 kilograms of various items three times a day. During the period when trainings are held, up to 7-8 kilograms of hay is poured on young horses, after the races - 5-6 kilograms. Before consuming the herb, the animal must be given clean water to drink.Juicy foods are given according to the type of vegetables or fruits:

• potatoes - 10 kilos for stallions and 4 kilos for mares;
• carrots - 3-5 kilograms;
• beets - up to 4 kilograms.

To eliminate the deficiency of trace elements (calcium, phosphorus and others), concentrated feed and bran are recommended for animals, which are given in crushed form. Horses require daily vitamin supplements and s alt (no more than 40 grams). A few days before the races, it is recommended to give lumps of sugar. The volume of water consumption by horses depends on the season. In summer it is allowed to give up to 50 liters daily, in winter - up to 30 liters.

Disease prevention

In order to avoid the development of diseases in English horses, it is necessary:

• destroy parasites (worms) in a timely manner;
• clean the stable daily;
• eliminate dampness in the stable;
• regularly treat feeding areas with boiling water and wash the animal;
• walk every day;
• add vitamin complexes to the diet;
• isolate the sick animal from the rest.

Following the above rules, you can avoid infection of animals in the stall.

Breeding

When breeding an English thoroughbred breed, the following rule is observed: among the stallions, the one that has already participated in competitions and achieved a significant result is selected. There are no such requirements for mares.

Use area

As already noted, the English Thoroughbred is a racehorse. Animals are bred exclusively for participation in competitions, including long-distance races.However, in England, these horses are often used in fox hunting. Also, some breeders resort to the "services" of stallions to improve the characteristics of other breeds.

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