The Thoroughbred Hunter (sometimes called the National Hunt Thoroughbred in the UK) is a sub-type of English Thoroughbred specifically aimed at following the hounds or competing over fences. With a generally calmer demeanor than the flat-racing Thoroughbred (many are of the gentle, unflappable type that was designated a "Ladies' Hunter" in former times), this all-purpose horse excels at whatever task he's given and is a jumper of prodigious talent.

Thoroughbred Hunters are of a slightly different build than Thoroughbreds overall; the back and head are typically longer, and the profile often slightly Roman-nosed. Withers are high, anchoring powerful shoulder muscles for jumping. Their gaits are smooth, open and very pleasant to ride. Shoulders in particular are powerfully built.

Thoroughbreds of Hunter Type come in the colors of bay, brown, black, chestnut, grey, and cream-diluted. In rare cases they can be roan or dominant white as well. Their coat is usually solid, but many Thoroughbreds have sabino coat, though this sabino pattern is caused by various white-spotted genes and not by Sabino 1. Additional patterns that exist in this breed are frame-overo, splashed-white, and manchado. Tobiano doesn't exist in this breed. Thoroughbreds stand between 15.1hh and 17.2hh.