Quarter Horse
Image from Wayne’s Custom Leather
Intro
Especially known for their association with the Cowboys of the wild wild west, the Quarter Horse is a symbol of American Horsemanship, and the oldest North American breed.
Origins
The breed originated in 17th century colonial Virginia. The horses available to the new settlers there were of mixed Spanish descent, carrying traces of Andalusian, Barb, and Arabian blood.
Early in the 17th century these local horses were crossed with English Thoroughbreds. The result of the tough Spanish stock and the more refined English animals was a squat, stocky animal with large, muscular hindquarters.
Used to help build the west, the Quarter horse is built to haul goods, work cattle, and riding long distances over rough terrain.
Above their versatility, they are prized for their sprinting speed over the quarter mile. The origins of their name, their explosive speed over the quarter mile track make them entertainment too.
Today the Quarter Horse Registry is the largest in the world with over 3 million entries.
Features
Average height 15-5.2 hands
Strong, muscluar hindquarters make them strong sprinters
versatile and eager to please
Physique
Head is short and wide, with a small muzzle
Underline is longer than the back, gives compact impression
Chunky, muscular hindquarters
Legs are strong, with flat knees
Traditional Colors
All colors
Temperament
Eager to please and versatile as they come
Pros
Great character, easy partner
Cons
The re-emergence of the Quarter horse racing scene has diluted bloodlines with Thoroughbred blood, changing signature confirmation of hindquarters.
Use
Racing
Pleasure / trail horse
Show horse
Rodeo horse
Cutting horse
Work horse
Helpful Links
*All links open in a new window
American Quarter Horse Association
National Foundation Quarter Horse Association
Foundationhorses.com
Texas Quarter Horse Association
Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association
Where to Buy
Equinehits.com
Thehorsesource.com
Quarter Horse Directory
Quarterhorsesforsale.com
Quarter Horse Studs
Stallion Directory
Stallionstation.com
Quarter Horse Stallion Directory
O Horse
Quarter Horse Art
Quarter horse art
Horsesculpture.net
jennear on flickr
Quarter Horse Books and Reading
The American Quarter Horse
The Kids’ Book of the American Quarter Horse
