The Thoroughbred horse comes in many shapes and sizes.  The breed description includes large, well sprung rib cage, sloping shoulders and long pasterns often with flat feet.  As you will see below, there are differant variations on that plan!

The Hunter Type

This horse is 16.2hh, in his prime, pure bred thoroughbred, even started under rules.  He also takes a wide fit saddle which is very unusual for a thoroughbred.

 

The Arabian Type

The fine head and long neck betray the Arabian, Turk and Barb influence on the beginning of the English Thoroughbed.  Fine and pretty head often pony size with fine legs.

The Chaser Type

 The Paula Radcliffe of horses, this type is often skinny and finds it difficult to hold weight.  A low set tail and 'jump bump' can be found on the steeplechaser, ideal for the 4ft6 high and wide fences they are expected to leap over at speed.

The Sprinter Type

Powerful fronts with high shoulders and occationally rump high, make these types the quickest over short distances of just over 1 mile in the World.  The American Quarter horse, named for its speed over a quarter mile, has just this type of conformation.  You can see the deeper barrel with more room for heart and lungs and the powerful shoulder all ready for the sprint in the picture below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Leggy Alrounder

Capable of just about anything and usually the most adaptable.