What Are Thoroughbred Horses Like To Ride?

Their heart, work ethic, and people-oriented nature makes them excellent all-round riding horses, although they can be energetic and forward-going, so are not ideal novice rides (as with any breed, there are always exceptions).

Are Thoroughbreds good for beginners?

Largely bred for racing, a thoroughbred might turn out to be more horse than most beginners can handle. For the most part, pass on a retired racehorse that is trained to bolt at the crack of a starter pistol. However, non-racing thoroughbreds can be quiet and steady and may make great first horses.

What is the temperament of a Thoroughbred horse?

Thoroughbred Horse Temperament and Behaviour
As a breed, Thoroughbred horses are intelligent and energetic, with a strong work ethic. They can also be bold and spirited, making them better suited to a more experienced equestrian rather than a beginner.

Are Thoroughbreds high-strung?

Thoroughbreds weigh less than many other breeds of horse and stand out because of their delicate heads, trim bodies, strong chests and relatively short backs. They are also known for being rather high-strung.

Are Thoroughbreds sensitive?

They are sensitive and high-spirited. Averaging 16 hands (64 inches, or 163 cm) high and weighing about 1,000 pounds (450 kg) at maturity, Thoroughbreds are usually bay, chestnut, brown, black, or gray. Outstanding for speed and stamina, they have been combined with and have improved several other breeds of horses.

Is it hard to ride a Thoroughbred?

Generally, Thoroughbreds don’t make good trail riding horses, especially for beginner riders. They spook easily, are high-strung, and aren’t surefooted. A typical Thoroughbred is athletic, intelligent, and a willing horse, but it’s also high-strung and sensitive to the slightest pressure.

Do Thoroughbreds spook easily?

Being a hotblooded breed, Thoroughbred horses are usually spirited, and individuals may be easily spooked if of timid temperament and not adequately trained. However not all Thoroughbreds are of timid temperament and Thoroughbreds are usually intelligent and very amenable to being trained not to spook.

What breed of horse is the friendliest?

5 Gentle Horse Breeds You’ll Love

• American Quarter Horse.
• Morgan Horse.
• Appaloosa.
• Norwegian Fjord.
• Connemara Pony.

What issues do Thoroughbreds have?

Common racehorse health problems

• Fractures and musculoskeletal injuries. The bodies of these incredible creatures really are tested to the utmost in their competitive lives.
• Sacroiliac damage.
• Knee damage.
• Tendon and ligament injury.
• Respiratory problems.
• Foot problems.
• Horse insurance with Equesure.

Are Thoroughbreds feisty?

Although best known as racehorses, they excel in many other equine activities. Thoroughbreds are feisty, athletic horses that can be used for multiple purposes.

What age do Thoroughbreds calm down?

Horses normally reach their emotional maturity between the ages of 5 and 7. However, it’s good to keep in mind that all horses have different personalities, experiences, and dispositions that can contribute to their maturity level. Certain horses may never seem mature to someone that is looking for a very calm horse.

Are Thoroughbreds comfortable to ride?

Not every Thoroughbred will make a good horse for a young rider, but with proper handling and training, many Thoroughbreds can become wonderful riding horses. They just need special handling when they first come off the track.

How often should a Thoroughbred be ridden?

If you want to ride in upper-level competitions, it’s not uncommon for horses to get an intense training session 6 days a week. However, if you just want to keep your horse in a healthy physical condition, riding your horse three times a week for at least 20 minutes at a time can help maintain a good level of health.

Can a Thoroughbred go barefoot?

Thoroughbreds can go barefoot, and it’s a good practice for many horses retired from the race track to remove their shoes and turn them out in a pasture.

Do thoroughbreds feel the cold?

Horses don’t feel the cold like we do and naturally grow a thick coat in winter to keep them warm. Their coat also produces natural oils to help keep them waterproof.

Why do thoroughbreds bite?

Your horse may bite you if they are uncomfortable because of a saddle that doesn’t fit or a girth that is too tight. Biting can be a sign that your horse is trying to protect themselves or that they are intimidated by a situation.

Can a Thoroughbred be ridden western?

Off-track Thoroughbreds are an ongoing source of versatile horsepower for Western riders, making “racehorse to ranch horse” a reality.

Do Thoroughbreds enjoy racing?

In the overwhelming majority of cases, horses happily take part in a race.

Can a Thoroughbred carry a heavy rider?

For example, the two-year-old Thoroughbred pictured above is not developed enough to carry a rider over 135 lbs, even though 20% of its weight may be higher. Horses are strong, spirited animals and are well suited to support an average rider’s weight.

Why are thoroughbreds hard keepers?

Generally, horses bred for racing, like Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, tend to be hard keepers. This is due to having a more active metabolism than other breeds. These horses often burn more calories each day compared to a similar sized horse, like an American Quarter Horse.

How do you keep a Thoroughbred calm?

For most hot horses, it’s a good idea to avoid spending too long going in straight lines. With few exceptions, a better tactic is to keep them occupied with plenty of changes of bend, pace, and direction. This helps to keep their attention and focus on you, and gives them less chance to get strong or too fast.