What Makes a Quarter Horse Different From a Thoroughbred

What Makes a Quarter Horse Different From a Thoroughbred

By: Dr. Melissa Mazan

Section: Summary

Different breeds are intrinsically suited to the type of work that they do. They are not limited by their will or their desire, but rather by their physiological make-up, which is breed (i.e. genetically) determined to a large extent.

Appropriate training can bring each type of horse to its peak level of fitness, but will not change the type of muscle that the horse has by birth. A good example of how this poses a dilemma is the difficulty in training for 3-day eventing, which requires a horse to perform aerobic (cross-country, dressage) and anaerobic (jumping) exercises. These horses are truly impressive that can do it all.

Despite the limitations imposed by nature, training can enable each horse to use his muscular strength, power, speed, and endurance to its fullest effect.


 
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