A horseback riding excursion is just what you need to relax. If you choose a thoroughbred, it will be an even more unforgettable experience.
Thoroughbreds descend from three foundation stallions
Horse racing has existed since time immemorial, but the thoroughbred breed dates back to the late 17th century. This breed originates from three horses: the Turkish Byerley and the Arabian stallions Darley and Godolphin.
Byerley was named after its owner Colonel Byerley, who had captured it from the Turks during the Battle of Buda. After using it as a war horse, upon retirement he brought it to England and bred it with native mares. Byerley's great-grandson was Herod, whose offspring won 1,042 races, and one of his sons, Highflyer, sired horses that won 1,108 races.
The Arabian Darley was also imported to England and sired Flying Childers, the first great racehorse in the full acceptance of the term. A brother of Flying Childers, named Bartlett's Childers, was the great-great-grandfather of Eclipse, the most important racehorse of all time.
The invincible Eclipse
Eclipse was bred in 1764 by the Duke of Cumberland, the same man who had bred Herod six years earlier. Eclipse was invincible, winning all 26 races he entered. Races at that time were about 6,400m long, and horses carried 76kg. In one race, Eclipse outpaced his rivals by three-quarters of the distance.
Eclipse sired 344 winners, perhaps the most famous being St. Simon, winner of the Ascot Gold Cup in 1884. From him also descends Ribot, winner of two Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes.
From Godolphin to America
In 1792, Godolphin was brought to England by Edward Coke, who reportedly found it pulling a cart in Paris. A direct descendant of Godolphin is the great Matchem, who along with Herod and Eclipse established the three foundation lines of the thoroughbred. Another descendant is Man O'War, who founded the most important American bloodline.
