Buyer question
How long does a Thoroughbred horse live?
Our Animal Library gives the Thoroughbred horse a lifespan of 25–28 years.
Source: the Thoroughbred horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. Thoroughbred horse in the Animal Library
The detail
The racehorse, bred in England from Arabian, Barb and Turkoman stallions for speed over distance. Off the track it becomes an eventer, jumper or hunter, bold and athletic but often sensitive and quick to react.
- Origin
- England, 17th–18th century
- Best fit
- Jumping, eventing, pros
- Upkeep
- 4 out of 5 (Hard keeper, thin soles)
- Temperament
- Sensitive, bold, forward
What to weigh
Many Thoroughbreds are hard keepers with thin-soled feet, and ex-racehorses need months of retraining. Ulcers, old track injuries and a sensitive nature are common issues to plan around.