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Man O' War horse, one of the legendary THB horse breeds

The Origins of the Thoroughbred: Born from Three Stallions and an Intensely Selective Breeding Process

SARGA.CO – In the world of horse racing, no name is more dominant than the Thoroughbred. This breed is renowned as the undisputed star of the racetrack, captivating sports enthusiasts with its extraordinary speed, remarkable stamina, and unmatched competitive spirit.

In Indonesia, the term Thoroughbred is commonly known by the abbreviation THB. This hot-blooded breed, famous for its agility, speed, and fiery temperament, is also widely regarded as a superior racing horse.

Behind the bright lights of the racetrack, however, the modern Thoroughbred carries a rich and fascinating history of selective breeding, legendary genetic heritage, and a storied journey spanning more than three centuries.

Man O' War horse, one of the legendary THB horse breeds

From England to the World

The story of the Thoroughbred began in England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, when aristocrats sought to create racehorses that were faster and more resilient than local breeds.

To achieve this, they imported three legendary Arabian stallions: Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, and Byerley Turk. These stallions were bred with carefully selected English mares, producing a new generation that combined Middle Eastern speed with the endurance of European horses.

WBUR

WBUR

To this day, nearly all Thoroughbreds worldwide can trace their lineage back to these three foundation stallions.

From the very beginning, Thoroughbred breeding has been governed by extremely strict selection. Only horses with proven performance are allowed to be bred, ensuring that the quality of the breed remains consistent from one generation to the next.

Physical Traits and Abilities

Modern Thoroughbreds possess distinctive physical characteristics rarely found in other breeds. They are typically tall and lean, with dense musculature, long legs, and a back structure that supports long, powerful strides.

This conformation enables them to run at exceptional speeds over both short and middle distances.

Beyond physical traits, Thoroughbreds are also known for their natural competitiveness. They are energetic, spirited, and often appear driven by a strong desire to win. This blend of physical excellence and mental intensity is what has made them the dominant force on racetracks around the world.

Not limited to racing alone, Thoroughbreds also excel in various equestrian disciplines, including show jumping, polo, and eventing. This versatility further cements their reputation as one of the most adaptable horse breeds globally.

Man O' War

Legends and World Records

The history of horse racing is filled with legendary Thoroughbreds. Man o’ War symbolized dominance in the early 20th century, Seabiscuit became an icon of hope during the Great Depression, and Secretariat set astonishing records in the 1973 Triple Crown—records that still stand today.

Even in commercial terms, Thoroughbreds hold unparalleled prestige. Certain individuals, such as Fusaichi Pegasus, have been recorded among the most expensive horses in the world, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars. These extraordinary prices reflect not only racing performance but also the immense genetic value they bring to breeding programs.
 

A Symbol of Elegance and Enduring Legacy

Today, the modern Thoroughbred is more than just a racehorse. It is a symbol of elegance, strength, and dedication—the result of a long-standing partnership between humans and horses in the pursuit of excellence. From England, the breed spread to the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Indonesia, becoming the gold standard of horse racing wherever it goes.

In every powerful stride of a Thoroughbred lies a centuries-old story of how humans shaped and preserved a breed—and how a single horse continues to inspire millions both on and beyond the racetrack.

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