Kathleen H Kirsan

Legacy of Lexington Kathleen H Kirsan

A reference book for the breeders of sport horses and Thoroughbreds, which covers in detail the superior sport bloodlines developed in the heat racing era (1665-1870) and identifies the modern carriers that are potent in them. It gives the history of this unique breed, including the great Lexington RH and his peers, and the effect of their descendants on the international Thoroughbred and sport horse. It tells what occurred when the American strains were introduced into the English and European racing scene and breeding stock, how it proved so powerful that it overwhelmed the status quo, resulting in the punitive Jersey Act, which lasted until 1949, barring the American horse from the breed! It covers the unexpected results of the reintroduction of the American Thoroughbred into the international breed in the 1960s and beyond (think Sadlers Wells). It also covers the American strains in the warmblood breeds and sport horse breeding. Soundness issues are discussed and what to do about them. The important bloodlines in Olympic style sport are identified as well. A brief outline:

* History of the American Thoroughbred

* Distance racing era and its resultant bloodlines

* American Thoroughbred in International sport and breeding from 1856 to the present

* Jersey Act, why it was imposed and its far reaching effects

* Modern power bloodlines

* unsoundness and what to do about it

* American Thoroughbred in Olympic style sport and its best bloodlines