Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Understanding Racehorse Breeding in the UK

By Ruth Williams


UK breeders boast centuries of tradition in the breeding that yields superior colts. At this time, there are Thoroughbreds by the thousands born annually in the United Kingdom, and a large number become productive in the racing world. Quality breeding professionals work hard to match parents appropriately in order to facilitate proper placement of foals with the best racehorse trainer possible, and to ensure that the horses have successful racing careers.

The origins of the Thoroughbred breed date back to the 17th century when breeders crossed Arabian stallions with native British mares. In fact, the pedigrees of all Thoroughbreds today go back to the Byerly Turk, the Darley Arabian, or the Godolphin Arabian. These efforts have resulted in a taller breed with long legs that can travel quickly over both short and long distances and have led to the outstanding racehorses we see today. Thoroughbreds have passed these traits on to more breeds, such as the Standardbred and the American Quarter-Horse.

Conscientious Thoroughbred breeders focus on creating foals with strong bones that can withstand the impact of the track, substantial hooves that can support their weight, temperaments that make them competitive but also amenable to training, and muscle mass that drives their speed. These young horses possess a genetic edge which helps them succeed in race events. Their natural talent makes them easy to train and likely to succeed on the track.

There are other advantages that accompany the breeding of horses for racing for UK breeders. The Horserace Betting Levy Board funds prizes for breeders who produce the best foals using breeding stock of the highest quality. Similarly, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association supports its members in a variety of ways and aims to promote the responsible breeding of talented foals.

But even a high class bred foal won't prosper unless there is a good racehorse trainer. The right trainer will use the horse's natural talent and competitive nature to shape it into a winner. While pedigree is important, it is the trainer's job to take that raw potential and transform it into a fit and enduring competitor with a real chance to win.

The world recognizes UK Thoroughbred breeders for producing high-quality racehorses. The nice weather and veterinary care available are important for foal development. Skillfully selected parents frequently result in the birth of innately adept foals, and choosing an appropriate trainer helps foster their talents and produce horses best suited for racing.




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