"Hot-blooded" refers not to body temperature but to courage, boldness, alertness and, very often, speed. Hot-blooded horses are generally tall, long and lean; they are intelligent and very watchful of everything around them. Hot-blooded horses, or "hotbloods," are the cats of the Equine world: they want what they want, when they want it, and will let you know! Showy, outgoing and ambitious, they can nevertheless be loyal friends to someone who understands them well.