The powerful muscling of the hip and thigh continues to the gaskin, which is set low. The trailing edge of the hind cannon should follow a perpendicular line to the point of the buttock. The Thoroughbred's conformation makes it an ideal runner, capable of covering more than twenty feet in a single stride while reaching speeds of up to forty miles per hour. The rear legs act much like springs as they bend and straighten during running. The Thoroughbred's head and long neck also help to make running smooth and rhythmic.
Thoroughbreds come in many colors.
The Jockey Club is the parent or central registry for all U.S. bred thoroughbreds. To register a horse, the damn and sire must both be registered thoroughbreds and blood typed. Additionally, when the foal is born, blood must be sent in to be typed to insure the foal is of the reported breeding. While most people think of the Thoroughbred only in racing terms, the thoroughbred excels in dressage, hunting and jumping show ring events. Additionally, the American Quarter Horse in its quest for speed and stamina has allowed out breeding to the thoroughbred.