When native English mares were cross-bred with imported Arabian stallions in England around 300 years ago, it marked the beginning of Thoroughbred breeding. The lineage of modern Thoroughbreds is traced back to three foundation sires: the Byerley Turk, the Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian. These stallions were imported to England in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. It was around this time that the breed was imported to other corners of the world, including North America, Australia, Europe, Japan and South America.
Considered to be hot-blooded horses, Thoroughbreds are predominantly associated with horse racing, making the breed exceptionally important to the Australian economy. This versatile breed also fulfils other disciplines including steeplechase, hunting, jumping, hacking, dressage, polo, stock work and general riding.
Like its predecessor the Arabian, cross-breeding of the Thoroughbred has helped perpetuate other breeds. The Standardbred, Quarter Horse and Australian Stock Horse all carry Thoroughbred blood. They are often crossed with different warmblood breeds due to their physical prowess and high performance aptitude
Typically, Thoroughbreds are characterized by deep chests, lean bodies, long legs and necks, and chiseled heads. They are 16 HH on average. Their colouring is mostly solid colours such as bay, seal brown, chestnut, black and gray, however white markings are common on the legs and face. The defining performance attributes of Thoroughbreds are agility and speed.
In Australia, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is the principle industry and representative body for all Thoroughbred breeders in the country. TBA is responsible for representing the Australian Thoroughbred breeding industry at International Breeders Meetings, the Asian Racing Conference and other international forums, as well as all meetings and committees with governmental, racing, veterinary and associated bodies throughout Australia .
Australia is said to have the second-highest Thoroughbred breeding population behind the USA, according to Aushorse- the marketing body for Australia's thoroughbred breeders. The annual sales calendar sees Australian Thoroughbreds sold in six different categories: Yearlings, Weanlings, Broodmares, Breeze up Sales (Ready to Run), Tried horses and Dispersal sales. Magic Millions and William Inglis & Son are Australia's main auction companies and run Australia's largest sales. However, private sales are also routine - which is where breedersales aim to assist owners and breeders of thoroughbreds.
The Australian Stud Book provides a national official registry and record of Thoroughbred pedigrees. Its primary functions involve parentage testing and identification procedures.
