2007-02-07 14:16:48 · 13 answers · asked by Susan 2 in Sports ➔ Horse Racing
Apparently nobody ever watches races, because Quarterhorses (which were so called because they traditionally raced a quarter mile) do fast sprint distances from about 200-300 yards up to 4 1/2 furlongs (a furlong is one-eigth of a mile) and race only straight races on dirt, whereas Thorobreds race on either dirt or turf and anything from about 5 1/2 furlongs (called a sprint) up to 1 1/4 mile or more (called a route) and even longer (The Belmont is 1 1/2 miles, making it the longest stakes race in the U.S.), and the majority of Thorobred races involve turns (as do some of the top-length Quarterhorse races on very small tracks).
In Thorobred racing, each horse eventually becomes "proficient" in a particular length of race, so a horse that can run a mile (for example) may not have what it takes to dominate a shorter race (say 6 furlongs, or three-quarters of a mile) because it does not have time to catch the leader. In addition, in Quarterhorse racing there is frequent bumping of the animals as they leave the starting gate, an event which would usually be considered a foul and possible disqualification if it were to occur in a Thorobred race. Finally their physiques are very different, as all Thorobreds today can trace their lineage to several 18th Century racehorses, primarily from the Mid-east.
2007-02-09 16:15:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Obviously the breed, but you knew that. The quarter horses got their name from back when the United States was new, and men raced the horses for sport. Because they seemed to be built as sprinters, they were raced for only a quarter mile. Hence, Quarter Horses. Thoroughbreds, on the other hand, are more of cross country runners. Their races are a mile, sometimes longer. TB's are great for eventing too. As you can see, there are many differences, if you know where to look.
2007-02-11 19:41:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One, generally the breed is different although thoroughbred horses are used to breed quarter horses and not the other way around. Two,quarters will normally race up to about 1100 yards but are known mostly for races from 300 to 440 whereas TBs will race anywhere from 2 furlongs to a mile and 3/4 on dirt, grass, and synthetic surfaces created for all weather racing (longer races were once the norm but too demanding and now rare) Generally more money is wagered on TBs at what would be considered a 'major' racetrack than is wagered on quarters which can be seen in the 'total handle' or total wagered on those races at that track on that day...being short fast races the quarterhorse racing is a blur , one mistake or bobble will generally cost you a race...whereas in TB racing you have opportunities other than the gate because of the length and pace of the race...steeplechase or jumpers are bred out of TBs also not quarterhorses...both types are exciting to watch and wager
2007-02-07 23:12:31 · answer #3 · answered by doingitright44 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the distance of the race. A quarter horse only runs a quarter mile, and a thoroughbred usually runs a mile, or more.
2007-02-07 22:26:45 · answer #4 · answered by esugrad97 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quarter horses have a standing start. Quarter horses run any where from 220 yards to 870 yards. Quarter horses are bred for speed that is why they run at shorter distances. Thoroughbreds have a running start. Thoroughbreds run any where from a 1/2 mile on up. Thoroughbreds are bred for endurance that is why they run at long distances.
2007-02-08 21:11:10 · answer #5 · answered by racehorsegal 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Quarter Horse racers are Bred to Sprint, to run all out for about a quarter of a mile, thus the name. They are faster over the short distance.
TB racing is for horse bred or speed over some distance. They are more popular.
There are also distance races such as endurance that take place over a long long distance.
2007-02-07 22:59:47 · answer #6 · answered by gg 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
quarter horses are like the drag racers of horses. they do a short distance full out. the thoroughbred horses run the longer distance races, a mile and up
2007-02-07 22:25:25 · answer #7 · answered by runingjoe 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quarter horses and thoroughbreds are different breeds, sort of like comparing shepards to labs.
2007-02-07 22:19:48 · answer #8 · answered by P K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well thoroughbreds' are A LOT faster and are the only kind that can really get into the big races.
2007-02-08 18:25:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aside from the diffeence in breed, the length of the race is the biggest difference. Thouroughbreds run longer courses than the Quarterhorse.
2007-02-07 22:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by john h 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋