| If you have ever watched the Kentucky Derby or | | | | Kentucky. Other states where Thoroughbred horse |
| other events in racing's Triple Crown, you have had | | | | breeding is extremely common are Florida and |
| the opportunity to see Thoroughbred horses. If you're | | | | California. |
| not a racing fan, but watch the news on a regular | | | | Still, not all Thoroughbred horses are bred for racing - |
| basis - particularly after the 2006 running of the | | | | and, of course, very few that are make it to the Triple |
| Kentucky Derby and on through the rest of the year, | | | | Crown races. Based on the athleticism of the breed, |
| you're likely familiar with the story of Barbaro, the 2006 | | | | the drive that most Thoroughbreds have to succeed |
| Derby winner that was put down after shattering a | | | | and excel at a task, many are also trained for other |
| hind leg during the 2006 Preakness Stakes: the | | | | equestrian sports. Though the Thoroughbred is |
| beautiful, calm Thoroughbred Horse was beloved by | | | | uncommon in dressage, it is not unheard of; the same |
| many. | | | | is true for show jumping. Likewise, because |
| Many of the reasons why Barbaro was much beloved | | | | Thoroughbred horses move with a smooth gait, some |
| share similarities with the reason why many people | | | | have been used for classical jumping and as show |
| express love and adoration for Thoroughbred horses. | | | | hunters. |
| The breed is known for a noble beauty, a dignified | | | | The best of the breed are taken one step further and |
| appearance, a determination, coupled with speed and | | | | trained for event performance. In event competition, |
| drive. | | | | dressage, cross-country and show-jumping is all |
| Of course, it's the speed and wildness of the | | | | combined into a single equestrian event. Because of |
| Thoroughbred horse - known widely for its racing | | | | their success in event performance, many |
| abilities - that make Thoroughbreds a less than ideal | | | | Thoroughbred horses make it to World Championship |
| choice for those who are looking for a horse for their | | | | and Olympic competition levels. |
| family, as well as for inexperienced riders. Many find | | | | This athleticism of the horse and its competitive |
| that Thoroughbreds are too fast, too unpredictable and | | | | potential is something that, when one is looking at |
| dangerous for those who aren't experienced with | | | | horses for sale, often puts young Thoroughbred |
| horses. | | | | horses out of the price range of many families. When |
| Just how fast can Thoroughbred horses be? On | | | | making an investment with two or more partners into |
| average, Thoroughbreds like those that are used in | | | | buying a Thoroughbred horse for racing, buyers can |
| racing run nearly forty miles per hour, but remain agile, | | | | expect to pay up to $5,000. To own your own |
| able to turn quickly and change pace without much | | | | Thoroughbred, you'll need to invest at least $10,000, |
| notice, when necessary. The hindquarters of | | | | and understand that you are buying one of the least |
| Thoroughbred horses often are the seat of their | | | | expensive Thoroughbreds. At this price level, many |
| power; long, well-developed muscles in the hip and | | | | horse owners are only partial owners of the horse |
| thigh are things that you should pay attention, whether | | | | that they have invested their money. Prices only climb |
| you are picking a horse out of theline-up in race five or | | | | from there. |
| if you are looking to buy a Thoroughbred horse for | | | | However, those who do own Thoroughbred horses - |
| your own use. | | | | either on their own or as a part of a partnership - tend |
| In addition, when you look at a Thoroughbred horse, | | | | to find that there are many rewards. There's |
| you will want to also look for other characteristics that | | | | camaraderie among Thoroughbred owners, an |
| define the breed. Thoroughbreds stand between 15 | | | | excitement that comes from getting together at the |
| and 17 hands. Colors range from dark bay to black or | | | | track (even if your horse is not the one that ultimately |
| gray. White Thoroughbreds can occur but are | | | | wins the race). |
| extremely rare, however, that doesn't mean that there | | | | If you are committed to owning a Thoroughbred horse |
| cannot be white hairs or patches of white on a | | | | and do not have the financial backing to buy one |
| Thoroughbred horse. | | | | outright, you may want to consider contacting the |
| As many Thoroughbred horses are bred specifically | | | | National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Charity |
| for racing - and, as a result, it's not surprising that many | | | | service to learn more about adopting retired |
| Thoroughbred horses for sale have been born in | | | | racehorses. |