For centuries, society could not have functioned without the horse; not only was it used for transportation, but it was also a working animal, used on farms, in mines, and on the battlefield. This diversity of needs led to the development of many types of horses throughout the world, and climatic and geographical differences also played their part in forming the breeds. The ultimate breeding triumph besides the Arabian horse, is undoubtedly the Thoroughbred, which was developed for the racecourse, and therefore pleasure. It is aristocratic and finely tuned, and its bloodlines flow in the veins of many existing breeds. It is responsible, above all, for adding quality, beauty, speed and stamina to the horses that we know and love today.