Horse Racing: Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds

Mark Martinelli, an equine orthopedic surgeon, points out that differences between Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races are reflected in the types of injuries common to each breed. According to Martinelli, Thoroughbreds break from the starting gate, work up to a top speed, and then slow down as they become fatigued. Most Thoroughbred racing injuries happen during the race itself and are often associated with a fall.

Quarter Horses, on the other hand, continue to accelerate throughout their much shorter races; fall less frequently related to an injury; and seem to become injured most often as they are pulling up after crossing the finish line. It is Martinelli’s opinion that rules regarding horse racing need to take into account the variations in what is being asked of the horse.

For instance, toe grabs on racing plates have been shortened for Thoroughbreds, but Quarter Horses were allowed to keep the longer toe grabs because they apparently dig down into the track more at the start and throughout the race.