Facts About The History Of Horse Racing And Types Of Racing
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.
The Quarter Horse race is a straight course for a quarter mile. That is how they came about their name. These horses can start quick but only run for short distances. Early colonists could not afford to create the oval tracks like England so they just craved out a course on any piece of land for the races. They could not afford to travel far distances for races so they allowed them to be able to enjoy the sport without too much expense.
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 is a concoction of several breeds. Contributors to this breed include Thoroughbreds, Morgans, Hackneys, Canadian Pacers, Norfolk Trotters and Narragansett Pacers. They were bred to complete the race in the standard two and a half minutes. How their name originated. Many have completed the mile in faster times since the regulations for registering them was created. There are many more aspects to be explored in the history of horse racing like training, betting and popular races of today.
When you check into horse racing tips, you need to use the Net, because there based from prospective of all around the world. A lot of ideas from different countries and many famous horse back riders. Australian horse races can be entered at certain times of the year.