The first ancestor of modern thoroughbred riding horses appeared in the 18th century. Today, representatives of this breed are bred for sporting competitions. This “localization” is due to the characteristics of riding horses, which are distinguished by strong limbs and voluminous lungs, which is important for horses. This introduces certain restrictions regarding animal feeding.
Historical reference
In the 18th century, Britain began breeding a new breed of English horses that would meet certain standards. To achieve this, breeders began not only to select local mares, but also to import oriental draft horses into the country. The type of the latter is not reliably known. It is believed that the eastern stallions were representatives of Turkish or Arab blood.
But it is known that the “backbone” for future thoroughbred horses was 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, researchers dissected the horse and found that it had a 23% larger heart than other horses and stronger joints and tendons. Eclipse passed on these features to his offspring.
Breed Features
As noted, representatives of the English riding breed have repeatedly become prize-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
Representatives of the racing breed tower above most horses. The height of these animals reaches 1.65-1.75 meters. The ability to run quickly is provided by a non-standard, lean physique and long legs with a short body.
An important feature of the English breed is that such horses have a large heart, voluminous lungs and strong joints. These characteristics are ideal for racing animals.
Purebred riding horse has the following characteristics:
- compact head with a straight profile and an extended rear part;
- pointed ears;
- wide nostrils;
- elongated neck;
- muscular and wide back;
- oblique shoulder line;
- deep chest.
Saddle horses are characterized by a toned stomach and muscular legs with correct posture. Such animals stand out from other breeds due to their wide and raised croup, as well as elongated hips. Another feature of English horses is that the hair on these horses is sparse. And the color of the whole body is dark brown.
Temperament
Purebred English horses have a temperamental character, which makes working with such horses difficult. Animals are stubborn and freedom-loving. Because of this, horses are difficult to subordinate to the will of the rider.
Therefore, thoroughbred riding horses are not recommended for training beginners. These animals are capable of unexpectedly showing disobedience, as a result of which the rider may fall. But it is precisely this feature that partly ensures representatives of the purebred breed regular victories in competitions.
Productive qualities
Thoroughbred is the most expensive breed of horse. Therefore, animals are not used for milk or meat. Representatives of this breed are bred exclusively for racing.
Advantages and disadvantages
A distinctive feature of English riding horses is the ability of animals to pass on characteristics to their own offspring. Thanks to this, it is possible to maintain the purity of the breed.
English horses are recognized leaders in equestrian sports. The body characteristics and disposition described above are responsible for this feature, because of which horses strive to constantly be among the leaders.
But it is the restless character that is considered the main disadvantage of the breed. Mares representing this variety do not reproduce well. Animals have a weakened immune system.Therefore, it is necessary to keep such horses in low humidity conditions. In addition, despite the strong bones, English horses often develop kozinets, in which the forelimbs are bent.
Content nuances
The described characteristics of character and immune system impose certain restrictions on the care and maintenance of horses and mares.
Stable
For thoroughbred riding horses, warm and dry stables with natural (or forced) ventilation are recommended. In order to prevent diseases and ensure normal living conditions, representatives of this breed require good lighting.
Care
Thoroughbreds are 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. This product causes the animal's skin to dry out and crack.
Due to the fact that horses are regularly exposed to increased stress, after each race it is necessary to inspect the condition of the hooves and, after removing dirt, lubricate them 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 disease prevention is the daily cleaning of drinkers and feeders. The latter must be doused with boiling water before feeding.
Feed and water
Horses are fed comprehensively, excluding artificial additives from the diet. Food must contain:
- vitamins;
- calcium;
- phosphorus;
- fats;
- carbohydrates and other microelements.
To ensure the supply of these microelements, animals are given:
- fresh hay (clover, timothy, legumes, cereals and grass);
- green food (when walking on pastures, they give milkweed, horseradish, yew, boxwood and other grass);
- vegetables and fruits;
- concentrated feed (corn, wheat, barley, oats and others).
The volume of feed is calculated based on the size and weight of the horse, as well as the loads that the horse experiences. On average, an animal is given up to 10 kilograms of various items three times a day. During the period when training is carried out, young horses are given up to 7-8 kilograms of hay, after the races - 5-6 kilograms. Before consuming grass, the animal must be given clean water to drink. Juicy food is provided taking into account the type of vegetables or fruits:
- potatoes - 10 kilograms for stallions and 4 kilograms for mares;
- carrots – 3-5 kilograms;
- beets - up to 4 kilograms.
To eliminate the deficiency of microelements (calcium, phosphorus and others), concentrated feed and bran, which are given in crushed form, are recommended for animals. Horses require vitamin supplements and salt daily (no more than 40 grams). A few days before the race, it is recommended to give lumps of sugar. The amount of water consumed 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
To avoid the development of diseases in English horses, it is necessary:
- destroy parasites (worms) in a timely manner;
- clean the stables 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.
By following the above rules, you can avoid infection of animals in the stall.
Breeding
When breeding an English purebred breed, the following rule is observed: among the stallions, one is selected that has already participated in competitions and achieved significant results. There are no such requirements for mares.
Scope of use
As already noted, the English Thoroughbred is a racehorse. Animals are bred exclusively to participate 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.
