How many thoroughbreds

Today, thoroughbreds are the most valuable of breeds, representing a multi-billion dollar annual industry, worldwide. To assess the genetic diversity of modern racing horses, geneticist Patrick Cunningham of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, compared 13 microsatellite DNA loci — repeating sequences of DNA which vary in length — in thoroughbreds and other Shetland, Egyptian and Turkish horses. He also examined studbooks dating back to It was already known that just a handful of stallions but many mares were used to found the thoroughbred breed.

From this arose the multitude of breeds and types of horses we know today. There are two primary types: horses and ponies. Horses are Breaking it down further, there are draft horses and ponies, driving types, stock horses used for working livestock, gaited horses , hunters, light horses for riding and racing, horses bred specifically for meat, and horses bred as companions.

Many horse breeds fall under one or more of these basic types. Most breeds developed during the time when horses were the major mode of transportation and power. For pulling heavy loads, we have the ponderous but strong Clydesdale , Belgian, or Percheron.

And for horse racing, we have the American standardbred and the thoroughbred. Cleveland bays and Hackney horses were developed to pull carriages and buggies, while Arabians were bred to carry their riders swiftly over the desert. And Kentucky mountain saddle horses originated to efficiently and comfortably carry their riders over mountainous terrain. Plus, several horse breeds, such as the Lipizzaner and Andalusian, were developed to carry soldiers into battle. Moreover, the Shetland pony and Welsh pony had their place as working animals in mines and on farms.

And for entertainment and companionship, we have the tiny Falabella and the miniature horse. These breeds originated in different locations around the world, with people from each area developing breeds to serve their specific needs. Most Popular. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Arabian Horse. DWG FT. DWG M. Friesian Horse. Quarter Horse. Shire Horse. Clydesdale Horse. Shetland Pony. Andalusian Horse.

Appaloosa Horse. Miniature Horse. Paint Horse. Morgan Horse. Haflinger Horse. More Animals. View the Category Category. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Lagomorphs. Chital Deer. Assumption 3: The number of U. Thoroughbreds sent to slaughter from through averaged between 5, and 6, per year. Take the midpoint of 5, and the aggregate lost to slaughter is some , over the period.

Using these facts and assumptions, the number of registered Thoroughbreds in the United States in is:. Using the same actuarial assumptions as above, 41, could still be alive, but accounting for those sent to slaughter, the number living is perhaps 33,