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RacingBetter News |
| Friday 22nd March 2024 | |
Horse Racing Breeds from Different Continents
Passionate followers of horse racing events know very well that the origins of different racehorse breeds are just as exciting as the actual races. That’s because every continent somehow managed to produce amazing breeds with specimens that dominated the competition at some point.
The differences between horse racing types are also what makes betting on these events so compelling. When they all gather on the same hippodrome, predicting a winner can be a tad too tough. Punters from the UK who want to overcome local barriers and join the international betting competition can do it using the best horse racing not on Gamstop sites. This allows them to join the action through betting websites that do not belong to the Gamstop system.
Now that we’ve got that sorted out, it is time to explain the peculiarities of major horse racing breeds. Let’s get it going!
Image source: animalife.co.uk
1. Thoroughbred (United Kingdom)
The first type of racing horse on our list is the renowned Thoroughbred. Most fans recognize it as the epitome of speed paired with the racing track grace. This breed finds its origins in the soil of the 17th century United Kingdom.
Origins
Back in 17th century England, horse races started popping up as the aristocrats’ favorite pastime. This convinced some of them to import three foundational stallions (the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian, and the Byerley Turk) in the early 18th century. Local trainers crossed these stallions with local mares to create what would eventually become the Thoroughbred breed.
Characteristics
Thoroughbreds have a superior athletic build with long and lean bodies. They typically stand between 15 and 17 hands high. Horse racing fans recognize the Thoroughbred for its unmatched agility. These horses possess a natural aptitude for racing thanks to a combination of explosive acceleration and sustained endurance.
2. American Quarter Horse (North America)
Image source: cdn.britannica.com
The American Quarter Horse comes from the northern part of the continent. As one of the fastest types of racing horses, this breed has earned its place in the history of the sport a very long time ago.
Origins
The roots of the American Quarter Horse go back to the early colonial era in North America: Back at the time, local settlers sought to breed horses that could excel in short-distance races.
When it comes to the issue of crossbreeding, the American Quarter Horse is a mixture of English Thoroughbreds with indigenous horses. Interestingly enough, these indigenous specimens actually came to the continent with Spanish conquistadors.
Characteristics
This type has a pretty distinctive "bulldog" appearance with a broad forehead and well-defined muscles. The sheer physical characteristics of the American Quarter Horse give it exceptional acceleration abilities.
3. Arabian and Mongolian Horses (Asia)
Image source: cdn.globetrotting.com
Asia is too big of a continent to choose just one breed. That’s why we picked a couple of types that are highly specific to the largest continent: the Arabian and Mongolian horses. These two are truly iconic representatives of their own rich cultural as well as equestrian heritages.
Origins
The Arabian horse, often referred to as the ‘horse of the desert’, traces its lineage back thousands of years to the Arabian Peninsula. Devoted sports fans love its unparalleled beauty that comes with unusual intelligence.
In stark contrast to the Arabian horse’s desert origins, the Mongolian breed has adapted to the rugged terrain (and extreme climates) of the local steppes. That’s why the Mongolian horse became a genuine symbol of resilience.
Characteristics
Arabian horses have distinctive dished faces supported by arched necks and other finely chiseled features. That’s exactly what gives them such an elegant and statuesque appearance.
On the other hand, Mongolian horses are much sturdier with thick manes and tails and sure-footedness. These traits are the only ones that can help Mongolian horses traverse the challenging landscapes of the Mongolian steppes with ease.
4. Australian Thoroughbred (Australia)
Just like the country itself, the Australian Thoroughbred is strongly connected to its British origins. However, it gradually evolved to become a unique breed with an unwavering spirit.
Origins
As mentioned, the history of Thoroughbred racing in Australia is intertwined with the country’s colonial past. It dates back to the early 19th century when British settlers brought horses to the continent for different purposes (transportation, farming, and recreation). English settlers brought along prized Thoroughbreds so as to lay the foundation for horse racing development in Australia.
Characteristics
People mainly recognize the Australian Thoroughbred by its athleticism and adaptability – a pair of characteristics that have earned it a formidable reputation on the racetrack. Unlike most other breeds, the Australian type is highly adaptable. It can successfully sprint over short distances, whilst it can also compete in grueling endurance races.
5. South African Thoroughbred (Africa)
Image source: thoroughbreddailynews.com
The South African Thoroughbred emerges as a beacon of excellence in the world of horse racing. With a rich history steeped in tradition and a legacy of success on the racetrack, this breed embodies the spirit of athleticism, resilience, and determination that defines the African continent.
Origins
The foundation of the South African Thoroughbred breed can be attributed to the importation of British and European bloodlines to the Cape Colony in the 17th and 18th centuries. These horses, prized for their speed and stamina, formed the basis of South Africa's racing industry, laying the groundwork for the development of a distinctly African Thoroughbred.
Characteristics
South African Thoroughbreds are renowned for their athleticism, agility, and adaptability to a variety of racing conditions. These horses typically possess a sleek, muscular build, with well-defined features and a powerful stride that reflects their speed and endurance.
One of the defining traits of the South African Thoroughbred is its ability to excel in both sprint and endurance races, a testament to its versatility and innate athleticism. From the sprinting tracks of Gauteng to the grueling marathon races of the Eastern Cape, these horses showcase their resilience and determination on the racetrack, earning the admiration of spectators and competitors alike.
One Sport for a Wide Variety
It’s hard to believe that only one sport – and one species – can produce such a wide variety of types of race horses. It feels like every continent gave its special contribution to the development of a totally unique breed, which eventually turned horse racing into such a magnificent sport.
