Many experts who purchased Thoroughbreds attempt to access a young horse's potential by observing their overall structural balance, the athleticism and willingness of his walk, the perceived intelligience of his outlook, and the correct conformation of his legs. Buyers of more expensive horses often hire veterinary experts to examine and report on the condition of the horse's breathing apparatus, soundness of bone structure, and size of heart.

Thoroughbreds that are born in the Northern Hemisphere technically become a year old on January 1st, those born in the Southern Hemisphere turn one on August 1st. These artificial dates have been set to enable the standardization of races for horses in certain age groups.

Approximately 35,000 Thoroughbred foals are registered each year in the United States. The largest number of foals are born in Kentucky, Florida and California. The Thoroughbred industry is a huge agribusiness. It supports tens of thousands of jobs in each of these states from, jockeys, trainers, starters, grooms and kitchen employees at the race track, to farm employees assisting with the birth of the foals, the grooming of yearlings, or the growing and preparation of feed, to veterinarians who understand and treat horses, to drivers of horse vans who transport horses across the country, to employees of auction houses that specialize in the sale of horses, to employees of the companies who develop products to improve the lives of horses and people who work with them. Parimutuel gambling on races provide purses to the winners and taxes to the state.

What happens to them after the track? Click Here.

Thoroughbreds in Other Disciplines