There are over 1,000 thoroughbred race horses on the WPCA Pro Tour. These horses are geldings that have retired from competing at race tracks across North America.
Chuckwagon racing offers these retired horses another option after their careers on the race track comes to an end.
But who are these equine athletes?
Thoroughbreds are one of the most popular horse breeds in the world today and best known for their use in horse racing. Thoroughbreds are smart horses with a strong work ethic. Known for their agility, speed, and spirit, thoroughbreds are more sensitive than other breeds.
THE BREED FOR SPEED
Thoroughbreds are born and bred to run. They are one of the fastest animals in the world. A chuckwagon racing team of 4 thoroughbred horses have been known to reach speeds of TBA. Top speed is traditionally reached down the backstretch.
FEED FOR SPEED
Thoroughbreds can out-eat other breeds when it comes to feed. Their metabolism helps to contribute to their excessive speed, which means it needs more fuel in order to achieve peak efficiencies. This energy also means this breed tends to get restless in its stall if there is a lack of activity.
ATHLETIC AND POWERFUL
The thoroughbred typically has a deep chest, lean body, and long flat muscles. They are fine to medium boned. They have well-angled shoulders and lean but powerful haunches. Their primary purpose is racing at speed and recognizable for their powerful and athletic body type.
COLORS & MARKINGS
Dark brown or bay is the predominant color of thoroughbreds while grey and chestnuts are also common.. White markings like stars and blazes can be found on the heads of some thoroughbreds. White marks called stockings, and socks may be prominent on their lower legs.
HERD ANIMALS
Most thoroughbreds in chuckwagon racing have a stable buddy. Their restlessness and sensitivity requires them to be barned together and hauled together when in a trailer. This behavioral treatment applies to most horses in the thoroughbred breed, as they tend to be a rather nervous. Thoroughbreds can be easily surprised, startled, or spooked.
THOROUGHBRED RACE HORSE FACTS
1. All thoroughbred race horses celebrate their birthday on the same day. Regardless of what date they were born on, each Thoroughbred turns a year older on Jan. 1
2. The thoroughbred can range in height from 15HH to over 17HH. Again, there is no breed standard. However, most tend to be in the 15.3 to 16 hand range. (1 hand = 4 inches)
2. An average thoroughbred race horse weighs between 1,000 – 1,200 pounds
3. Race horse names have to be approved by the breed registry. In the U.S. the Thoroughbred registry is The Jockey Club, and each name must follow certain rules, such as maximum number of characters.
6. Thoroughbred hooves, like those of all horse breeds, are made of the same protein as fingernails: keratin.
8. A Thoroughbred can top out at more than 40 mph when racing, though they usually don’t sustain top speed for the entire race but try to reserve it for the stretch run before the finish.
10. A racehorse can consume 20 pounds of food or more, plus 13 gallons of water every day.
