English thoroughbred horses are recognized as the symbol of elegance and speed in the equestrian world. Originated in the 17th century in England as a result of crossbreeding Arabian, Berber and Turkish horses with native English horses, this breed has superior speed and endurance.

History and Origin

The pedigree of the British thoroughbred is based on three famous stallions, the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian and the Godolphin Arabian, which form the basis of the modern British thoroughbred and give their genetic makeup speed and endurance.

Physical Characteristics

English thoroughbreds are known for their slender, long legs, strong musculature and elegant appearance. They are on average 1.60 – 1.70 meters tall and weigh 450 – 550 kilograms. Thanks to their large heart capacity and large lung volumes, they can perform well in long-distance races.

Race Performances

British thoroughbreds compete in some of the world’s most prestigious races, often coming out on the winning side in races such as the Kentucky Derby, Royal Ascot and the Dubai World Cup. One of the most famous British thoroughbreds is the Triple Crown winner Secretariat, a horse known for its speed and records, and for which there is even a movie.

Breeding and the Future

Breeding English thoroughbreds requires great care. Genetic research and modern training techniques constantly improve their performance. Thanks to technological advances, it is almost certain that British thoroughbreds will continue to be the stars of horse racing in the future.