The Byerley Turk, believed to be captured by Captain Robert Byerley in 1688, served as the Captain’s war horse and in 1689 travelled with the dispatched Captain to Ireland. In 1690 at a race meet in Northern Ireland, Byerley’s charge won the top prize.
Three Foundation Stallions
The Byerley Turk entered stud in England, covering mares up until 1701, with one being the resulting Basto in 1702. Basto was the Byerley Turk’s most important racing progeny. The Byerley Turk also appeared to be a good broodmare sire, with a number of mares foundational to the breed being sired by the Turk.
The Darley Arabian, to be purchased by Thomas Darley was born in 1700. In 1704 he was imported to England after Darley arranged to have the horse smuggled and send there. This was after Sheikh Mirza II had previously agreed to sell the colt for 300 golden sovereigns. It was after this agreement that he changed his mind, concluding he couldn’t part with the colt.
Between 1706 and 1719, the Darley Arabian covered a small amount of mares. This however had a profound affect on racing, with the stallion producing many good runners.
Born in 1724, the Godolphin Arabian was imported in 1729 into England by owner Mr. Edward Coke. The Godolphin Arabian was to stand at stud at Coke’s Longford Hall in Derbyshire. The Godolphin Arabian was first bred with Coke’s mare Roxana with the resulting foal being born in 1732.
A bay colt, he was named Lath and went on to be a successful racehorse. Lath wasn’t quite so successful as a sire but surprisingly, his most influential mares were out of daughters by Flying Childers. Flying Childers was sired by the Darley Arabian.
The 21st Century Thoroughbred
Today’s Thoroughbred is derived from these foundational stallions. There were other breeds thrown into the mix too, however. Perhaps it is the mixture of these different horses with varying qualities that makes the Thoroughbred such a versatile breed.
Although still largely used for breeding and racing on the flat and over jumps, the Thoroughbred is commonly sought after for riding schools, eventing, dressage and other disciplines where an elegant, athletic and fast horse may be required.
It should be noted that alongside these three foundational sires, others had a greater influence on the Thoroughbred breed and can be read about at the Thoroughbred Heritage site. Further reading on the Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian and Godolphin Arabian can be found there, also.
Chris Thomas - C. Thomas has studied and worked with horses since 2001. She teaches horse studies part time and is undertaking an Equine Science ...
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