Thoroughbred Horse

The early origin of the Thoroughbred is largely unknown. Horses that changed their owners also changed their names. During the last quarter of the 17th to the first quarter of the 18th century English noble men and their agents bought eastern stallions and crossed them with a variety of English pedigree mares to create an outstanding racehorse. Henry VIII and Elizabeth I founded famous studs when they imported horses from Italy and Spain to cross with English breeds. Records from the 17th century show that Barb, Barbary, Arabian and Galloway Horses, who were famous racing breeds of their time formed the basis for the modern Thoroughbred. It's well sloped shoulders, powerful hindquarters and long legs coupled with courage and stamina make the Thoroughbred the ultimate race horse. The breed was first mentioned in the General Stud Book, Volume I in 1808.