Thoroughbreds 101
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From Paddock to Purpose, Producing to Pasture
THOROUGHBREDS 101
It all starts in a paddock
Every Thoroughbred’s story starts the same way: a quiet paddock, a concerned mum, and a curious foal taking its first wobbly steps. Bred for heart, agility and spirit, these horses begin life in wide open spaces, cared for by skilled horsemen who give them the best possible start. It’s a peaceful, playful beginning, full of grass stains, gallops and growth.
THOROUGHBREDS 101
Then comes their purpose
Around two years old, Thoroughbreds begin their education. They learn to wear a saddle, listen to gentle cues, and develop a deep trust for their riders. Not every horse becomes a superstar, but every horse is treated like one; with daily grooming, tailored diets, health checks and downtime in the paddock. From sunrise trackwork to post-run massages, it’s a routine built around respect and wellbeing. And behind each horse is a village.
Over 120,000 Australians and Kiwis work in the Thoroughbred industry. Trainers, stable staff, vets, farriers, nutritionists, transporters and more, all united by a love for the horse.
THOROUGHBREDS 101
For some the next chapter is producing the next generation.
Retired racehorses with proven performance or a strong pedigree go on to become sires (dads) & dams (mums). Broodmares can foal up to once a year if they’re happy & healthy and enjoy spacious paddocks, quiet routines, and careful monitoring. Stallions live in specialised barns with daily exercise and expert handlers. Breeding isn’t just biology, it’s planning, patience and deep horsemanship, with each decision shaped by years of knowledge and care.
THOROUGHBREDS 101
Then comes their secondary purpose or pasture
Many Thoroughbreds enjoy second careers as riding horses, jumpers or therapy animals. Others simply retire to a slower pace, surrounded by familiar people and grass. Transitioning out of racing is handled thoughtfully, thanks to dedicated aftercare programs that support rehoming, retraining, and long-term welfare. The racing might end, but the care never stops.
Check out some of these rehoming and aftercare centres.
By the Numbers
At any given time, over 30,000 Thoroughbreds are in training across Australia (with thousands more in New Zealand). Each one is an individual with its own personality and needs.
Tens of thousands
of jobs
The industry supports roughly 120,000 Australian & New Zealand jobs, from breeders and vets to farriers, stablehands, transport drivers and more. It’s a whole economy fueled by horse power (literally!).
24/7
love and care
Racehorses are tended to almost 24/7. Early morning track sessions, daytime turn-out in the paddock, grooming and feeding twice a day, health checks, physio sessions, you name it. It’s like having an Olympic athlete in the family, and the care team wouldn’t have it any other way.
Welfare, love and professionalism are at the core
From the day a foal is born to its golden years in retirement, the people of the Thoroughbred industry make the horses’ wellbeing their top priority. It’s a labour of love and when you visit during National Thoroughbred Week, you’ll see that heart on full display.
