As one of the most popular breeds of sport horses in the world, the thoroughbred has found a niche in almost every aspect of riding in the equestrian world today. As a breed it is relatively new, emerging from a combination of the Arabian blood and English horse in the 1730s in England. Fame came quickly to the elegant breed, however, as it showed outstanding speed and endurance on the 4 to 5 mile racetracks of 18th century Europe. It was bred with enthusiasm, migrating into North America with the colonists shortly thereafter to become an influence on almost every other breed - Morgan, Standardbred, and Quarter Horse - that would evolve.

The Thoroughbred today is still primarily used for the sport of racing, and remains in the majority of the breeds competing in the hunter and jumper ranks around the globe.