Good bone structure supports long, clean legs, and the pasterns act as shock absorbers. The withers of this lean animal are peaked and higher than the croup, and the mane and tail grow thin and fine. Rough treatment of the Thoroughbred results in a spoiled horse. Because of their sensitive and easily excitable nature, they require a great deal of firm, but gentle handling. They are high-spirited, timid and delicate, yet willing, courageous and durable.
Thoroughbreds make excellent show-jumpers, steeplechasers and dressage performers.
Their blood is often crossed with other breeds to produce good polo ponies and hunters. Modern Thoroughbreds, with heights ranging from 15 to 17 hands, stand much taller than their ancestors did. Their colors are commonly brown, bay, black or chestnut and sometimes roan or gray. Some have white markings on the face and legs. The name Thoroughbred should not be confused with purebred.