The Thoroughbred is a horse breed developed in 18th century England when English mares were bred with imported Arabian stallions[?] to create a distance racer[?].
All modern thorougbreds descend from one of three stallions: the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerly Turk, together with around 35 mares. The first part of the horse's name is an indicator of the owner, the second part is an indicator of the horse's origin. The term "thoroughbred" was first used in the United States in an advertisement in a Kentucky gazette to describe a New Jersey stallion called Pilgarlick[?].
In the United States the registry for these horses is maintained by the Jockey Club.
Although the thoroughbred is primarily bred for racing, the breed is also used for show jumping and combined training due to their athleticism.
The typical thoroughbred is 16 hands high, and bay, chestnut or gray in color. The face and lower legs may be marked with white, but white will not appear on the body.