Thoroughbred Influence At Kentucky’s Biggest Equine Sporting Events
The next two weekends will bring out the best qualities of the Thoroughbred breed — the last weekend of April for the Thoroughbred sporthorse at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and then the first weekend of May for the Thoroughbred racehorse at the Kentucky Derby.
The Kentucky Derby in Louisville is about showcasing the horses that will represent the breed in the national spotlight. Each year, there are special qualities to these Thoroughbreds and their connections that draw the most coverage and biggest audience that horse racing receives in the United States. The safest bet of the Kentucky Derby is that there will be something memorable, and maybe even legendary, about the winner.
The week before the Kentucky Derby is the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. This event showcases the qualities of the breed that allow the Thoroughbred to excel in the ultimate sporting test for equine athletes. It draws international competition and an international audience. Here’s how the Olympic website describes the challenges eventing presents horse and rider:
“Eventing is the most complete combined competition discipline and demands of the competitor and horse considerable experience in all branches of equitation. It covers every aspect of horsemanship: the harmony between horse and rider that characterizes Dressage; the contact with nature, stamina and extensive experience essential for the Cross Country; the precision, agility and technique involved in Jumping.”
Although the breed was developed for racing, Thoroughbreds make excellent event horses because they possess a combination of the athleticism, bravery, and precise movement that the sport requires.
Read the full article here and learn more about the fascinating backgrounds and accomplishments of the racehorses that are now competing at the highest level of eventing.
