What is the Difference Between Warmblood and Thoroughbred

The main difference between warmblood and thoroughbred is that warmblood horses are calm and quieter, whereas thoroughbred horses are less calm and quieter. 

Warmblood and thoroughbred are two horse types in the market. They are sport horses.    

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Warmblood
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. What is Thoroughbred
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
3. Similarities Between Warmblood and Thoroughbred
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Warmblood and Thoroughbred
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Thoroughbred, Warmblood

What is Warmblood

The Warmblood horse is a middle-weight horse breed originating in Europe. The top line of the warmblood horse is smooth from the poll to the tail. Also, the height of the warmblood horse is 162 to 174 cm. Their poll occurs at the body’s highest point while their neck occurs higher on the shoulder. They have huge, conical hooves proportionate to the horse’s bulk. Also, hooves are rounder than oval. Importantly, the performance records of the parents of the warmbloods are considered when choosing a warmblood horse for a specific task. The pace and the jumping powers of the warmbloods depend on their parents.

Figure 1: Warmblood Horse

Furthermore, warmblood horses crossbreed between hot and cold blood horses. Therefore, the characteristics of both types of horses are inherited from warmbloods. Moderate temperament and agility are such characteristics. Also, warmbloods are excellent for working and riding. In addition, they are one of the best types of horses for hunter-jumper events. The development of the warmbloods occurred in Europe at various points in history. American quarter horse, Standardbred, and Paint horse are examples of warmbloods. Also, Oldenburg, Trackehner, Holsteiner, etc., are examples of warmbloods in Europe. 

What is Thoroughbred

Thoroughbred is the best type of horse for racing events. It is a horse breed that came from England. Also, it is a type of hot blood horse. The main characteristic features of thoroughbred horses are exceptional agility, quickness, and spirit. Typically, the common color variation of thoroughbred horses is brown to dark. Sometimes, more colorations can be available. In addition, thoroughbreds have a long head, high withers, a slime frame, a short back, a deep chest, and deep hindquarters. The height of the thoroughbred at their withers is 157 to 170 cm. They are athletic horses with large stature.

Figure 2: Thoroughbred Horse

However, since thoroughbreds are racehorses, the chances of experiencing accidents are high. Reduced fertility and bleeding are the other health issues of them. The average lifespan of the thoroughbred is 35 years. 

Similarities Between Warmblood and Thoroughbred

• Warmblood and thoroughbred are two types of horses used in sports. 

Difference Between Warmblood and Thoroughbred

Definition

Warmblood refers to an athletic horse derived by crossbreeding cold large draft breeds with smaller, quicker, hot horse breeds. In contrast, thoroughbred refers to a horse breed developed for horse racing.

Better for

Warmbloods are better for hunter-jumper events, while thoroughbreds are better for racing events.

Type

Warmbloods are a crossbred between hot blood and cold blood horses, while thoroughbreds are a type of hot blood horses.

Characteristics

Warmbloods are moderate temperament and agility, while thoroughbreds are exceptional agility, quickness, and spirit.

Behavior

Warmblood horses are calm and quieter, while thoroughbred horses are less calm and quieter. 

Conclusion

In brief, warmblood and thoroughbred are two horse types used in sports. Warmblood horses are better for hunter-jumper events. They are a crossbred between hot-blood and cold-blood horses. Their characteristics are moderate temperament and agility. They are calm and quieter. In comparison, the thoroughbred horse is excellent for racing. It is a type of hot blood horse. The characteristics of thoroughbreds are exceptional agility, quickness, and spirit. Therefore, the main difference between warmblood and thoroughbred is their behavior. 

References:

1. Szathmary, H. (2022, July 23). What is a warmblood horse? Warmblood Horse Breeds & Faqs. Horsey Hooves. 
2. Blocksdorf, K. (2023, March 3). Meet the athletic thoroughbred horse. The Spruce Pets. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “WCLV07m” By Fotoimage – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Applebite-Gentlemen” By ArthurLemay~commonswiki – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia