Characteristics of the Racing Horse

Racing Horses: The best breeds for this discipline

Racing Horses/Gallopers in Equestrianism

Thoroughbred Racing Horses all share the same birthday! This is for eligibility for racing, since the majority of horses are born in the spring, either north or south of the equator. This gives them the chance to grow naturally while their dams (mothers) graze on good spring and summer grass. They begin to race as two-, or three-year-olds, though the standardisation of the birthdate means they are older than this suggests. Until the age of four, male horses are known as colts, and female horses, fillies. There are prestigious races for both colts and fillies, as well as major events, such as the Epsom Derby, which are open to both. The most demanding races are those that involve formidable obstacles to be jumped, including the Aintree Grand National near Liverpool. Many nations have their own equivalents, like the Pardubice in Czechoslovakia. As well as being divided into flat racers and jumpers, Racing Horses are subdivided into sprinters, which are most successful over short distances, milers, which race over the distance of a mile, and stayers, which race more than a mile and six furlongs. The power, athleticism and speed of Racing Horses have also been influential on other breeds, particularly warmbloods. Retired Racing Horses/Gallopers often make good riding horses for experienced riders.