Global Sports: Facts About The History Of Horse Racing And Types Of Racing

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Facts About The History Of Horse Racing And Types Of Racing

By Byron Jonas


The history of horse racing dates back to 4500 BC. Nomadic Tribesmen in Central Asia domesticated the horse and paved the way for this sport. Chariot races were introduced during the Greek Olympics and Roman Empire eras. In the 12th century Arabian horses were brought back with English knights returning from the Crusades. These fast horses helped to develop the sport as we appreciate it today. It was recognized as a professional sport during the reign of Queen Anne in the 1700's.

There are different types of racing including Thoroughbred, Quarter horse and harness. Thoroughbred racing or flat racing is one of the most popular races. In this race the horses are running on an oval shaped track for distances from a little more than half a mile to a mile and a half. There are no obstacles on this type of track. Horses competing in this race are bred for speed and stamina.

The Thoroughbred originated in England when Arabian and Turkish horses were bred with English lines. They are known for their speed and stamina running at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. Most thoroughbreds can follow their heritage to one of three founding sires.

Quarter horse racing is on a flat straight track approximately a quarter mile long. Competitors in this race are bred to sprint short distances. The American Quarter horse actually got its name because of the length of the track. Because the early colonists did not have the money to build a real race track they decided that they would flatten a quarter of a mile of land and enjoy the sport less expensively than the English.

This breed is a mixture of the English Thoroughbred and the horses the Native Americans used that were brought over from Spain. Because of their size and agility they are useful for herding cattle, roping and barrel racing in rodeos and racing. They are the favorite breed in the United States today.

Harness racing involves Standardbred horses pulling the driver in two wheeled carts. Their gait can only be trotting or pacing. These horses have a longer body and shorter legs than a Thoroughbred.

The Standardbred horses has many breed contributing to its bloodlines, but two of the more recognized ones are the Thoroughbred and the Morgan. These horses were bred to be able to trot a mile in 2 minutes and 30 seconds originally. Today many run much faster than that original standard. As we have learned the history of horse racing dates back many, many years and it is still a thriving sport attracting millions of people every year enjoying the competition and legal gambling.




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