HRQ From A Dummy - Dirt or Turf
 

Horse Racing Questions From A Dummy

What are the distinguishing characteristics that makes a horse a "Dirt Horse" or a "Turf Horse?"

Understanding that for some horses, it doesn't seem to matter what surface they run on - but what about the rest? Are Turf horses bigger, stockier, heavier? Is their running action different? Do some animals just prefer one surface over another? Have always wondered but never knew.

A "turf horse" has a history of performing better on turf than dirt. A "dirt horse" has a history of performing better on dirt than turf.

There are a lot of different angles you can take to project which surface a horse will prefer. However, they aren't really a turf horse until they prove themselves to be.