Thoroughbreds are most well-known for their careers as racehorses. They have an athletic build with a deep chest, long neck, lean body, and long legs. The most common colors found are bay, brown, chestnut, grey, black, palomino and roan. Pinto patterns, including a genetically-distinct "dominant white" pattern, can also occur.
Thoroughbreds are known for their agility, grace, speed, stamina and courage, making them ideally suited for any number of disciplines beyond the racetrack. Many retired racehorses are successfully transitioned into second careers. These horses can compete at the highest levels of international competition in eventing, show jumping and dressage and also make outstanding hunters, steeplechasers, barrel racers and polo mounts. They are also used by mounted police patrols and recreational riders who appreciate their intelligence and versatility.
