The Background and Capabilities of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses

Skilled businessman Randy Eastburg owns and manages the daily operations of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas. Thanks to his leadership, the company generates roughly $7 million in revenue each year. A horse racing enthusiast, Randy Eastburg used to breed and own quarter horses. He enjoys watching live horse races during his free time.

In the United States, the most common types of horse races involve quarter horses or thoroughbreds. Of the two, thoroughbreds are perhaps the more popular. These horses first appeared in England as a blend of different horse breeds, including Barbs, Turks, and Arabians. The Middle Eastern breeds are known for their faster speeds and tall, lean physiques, contributing to the fact that thoroughbreds are generally faster than other breeds. They have a top speed of about 40 miles per hour and are capable of running longer distances.

The most popular breed in the U.S., quarter horses were created by breeding thoroughbreds with the country’s “native” horses, beginning in colonial times. The native horses descended mainly from Spanish breeds. Unlike thoroughbreds, quarter horses are very stocky and were primarily bred as sprinters. Quarter horses are capable of reaching 55 miles per hour, but they cannot sustain this speed as long as thoroughbreds. Instead, they are primarily used to run quarter-mile races.