Cross Breeds

How are Thoroughbred Horses still useful in North America?

My Father told me that Thoroughbred Horses were only used for racing., but my Teacher said that they were used for many other things such as barrel racing. So what are they used for.

Public Comments

1. Well they are used for racing, dressage, show jumping, steeplechasing and many other things besides racing.
2. thoroughbreds are great all around horses and make wonderful jumpers because of their speed and size
3. Mainly competitions and pets. Only the draft breeds and some pony breeds are actually used for work. Oh and they are used a carriage horses.
4. A lot of Thoroughbreds never race at all, contrary to what your dad told you, and they go on to have careers in other sports and disciplines. Sister mentioned some of these in her answer. Thoroughbreds make great eventers, and some of them do very well in dressage and in show jumping as well. Gem Twist, Idle Dice, Big Ben, Nautical, Snowman, Touch of Class, Heisman, Rhum IV- these are all examples of famous show jumpers who were registered Thoroughbreds. Eventers in this category include Bally Cor, Eagle Lion, Pirate Lion, Irish Cap, Better and Better, Plain Sailing, Blue Spruce, HMS Dash, Out and About, Epic Win, Custom Made, Tigger Too, Rattle and Hum, and Giltedge. Silent Partner was also a TB, as is the show jumper Quantum Leap, who is a son of the great Secretariat. Thoroughbreds can do many other things besides race, so your teacher is correct. Some them are also hunters, especially field hunters, and are ridden in hunter paces and point to point races. Does that help you?
5. Off the track, they can be trained to be great riding horses.. I rode one for years.. Have even roped off of them.. They are extremely smart and can be used for a variety of things.