The two horse breeds differ in a lot of ways in terms of height, build, and body type. Both quarter horse and thoroughbred horses are, however, bred and used for racing. The distance for the breeds is not the same though - quarter horses race between 220 to 870 yards (201 to 796 m) while thoroughbred races range between just under 1/2 mile to 1.5 miles (804m-2253m)
Their body type is the most significant difference between the breeds, with the thoroughbred breed being tall and lean, while quarter horses are shorter and stockier in build. Who is faster - thoroughbred horses or quarter horses? It depends on the length of the race. Thoroughbreds are faster over longer distances, while quarter horses are faster over shorter distances. Quarter horses are more known as western horses, while thoroughbreds are English horses.
Thoroughbreds
Thoroughbred horses are known as the fastest horse breeds but many also go on and have a second career, when their racing career finishes, as an eventer or showjumper after retirement from the race track. Thoroughbreds are very versatile horses, which is why many of them have excelled in cross country and eventing in the last 20 years, as they do well in each phase (jumping, cross country, and dressage).
- Main Use: Bred to be fast over long-distance races
- Body Type: Light horses - Narrow chest, lean body. Long legs. Long neck.
- Easy/Hard Keepers: Hard keepers require a lot of feed.
- Nature: High energy, Intelligent
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Originates from: Arabian Horses in England
- Mostly used for: Horse racing and equestrian sports such as eventing and showjumping.
- Maximum Speed: 44mph
- Height: 15.2-17hh
- Average cost: Usually between $500-$10,000
Quarter Horses
The quarter horse breed is popular in the western community. They are the best breed for barrel racing, as they can accelerate quickly and turn on a dime.
A great breed if you are into western riding
short distances
quarter of a mile
- Main Use: Bred to be fast over short races
- Body Type: Broad chest, short back, stocky body. Short neck.
- Easy/Hard Keepers: Easy
- Nature: Good temperament, Calm, intelligent.
- Originates from: Different breeds of horses (Arab, Turk, and Barb) in the 17th century in the United States.
- Mostly used for: Western disciplines (barrel racing, roping, rodeo), endurance races and quarter horse races.
- Maximum Speed: 55mph
- Height: 14.3-16hh
- Average cost:: Usually between $1500-$15,000
Understanding the difference between Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds
If you take a closer look at both breeds, you'll see that they are both versatile, willing-to-work breeds that can excel in any discipline with proper training. The quarter horse is a great choice if you're looking for an everyday trail horse and pleasure riding. However, if you want to excel in jumping and are not a nervous rider, then a thoroughbred can suit you too. Some of the thoroughbred blood is very high energy, though, so if you are a beginner or a Nervous Nelly, then a quarter horse is more suitable.
Muscle Physiology: Why They Differ
The reason these breeds perform so differently lies in their muscle fibers:
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Quarter Horses have a higher percentage of Type II-b fast-twitch fibers, which provide explosive acceleration and sprinting power.
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Thoroughbreds have more Type II-a intermediate fibers, balancing speed and endurance, allowing them to sustain pace over longer races.
This scientific difference explains why one breed is built for lightning-fast starts while the other thrives on distance.
