What is the name for a horse that is bred for its speed?

A horse bred specifically for speed is called a Thoroughbred. The Thoroughbred is a distinct horse breed developed primarily for racing, rather than a general label for any purebred horse.

The breed was developed in England during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Breeders crossed native English mares with imported stallions of Arabian, Barb, and Turkoman ancestry. Three foundation stallions—Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian, and Godolphin Arabian—are traditionally credited with influencing nearly all modern Thoroughbred bloodlines.

Thoroughbreds are known for speed, athleticism, agility, and a spirited temperament. They became central to flat racing and later found roles in eventing, show jumping, hunting, and other equestrian sports.

Standardbred is a common mix-up because it is also a racing breed, but Standardbreds were developed mainly for harness racing and are known for trotting or pacing. Arabian horses are famous for endurance, while Quarter Horses are renowned for explosive acceleration over short distances. Technically, “thoroughbred” should not mean any horse of pure ancestry.