COMMON HORSE BREEDS

 

QUARTER HORSE

 

Origin:
North America

 Quarter Horse
Photo supplied by Rutlands Quarter Horses - "A Passing Breeze Imp USA" - Victoria, Australia ©

History:
The Quarter Horse originated from horses taken to America by Spanish conquistadores. During the 17th and 18th century English settlers on the East coast of North America crossed their own imported horses with Spanish horses to produce a strong, good natured horse for riding and farm work. Quarter Horses played a big part in the days of cattle herding where a fearless, athletic and totally dependable horse was required. These horses learned to predict the movement of a steer, stopping and turning at breakneck speed.
To satisfy their passion for racing Englishmen raced their Quarter Horses anywhere where they had enough room for a gallop. The breed developed extremely strong hindquarters enabling them to go from a standing start straight into full gallop. As the name implies the Quarter Horse excels at racing over a short distance - a quarter of a mile. Later Thoroughbred racing became more popular.
In 1940 the American Quarter Horse Association was formed, which is now the largest registry of any breed in the world with more than 2 million horses listed.

Characteristics:

Head: short, wide head; large, intelligent eyes; small muzzle; alert, medium size ears
Neck: flexible, fairly long
Shoulders: sloping, well defined withers
Body: compact body; strong, short back; broad chest; well sprung ribs; deep girth; powerful loins; long, gently sloped croup; broad, well muscled hindquarters
Legs: good limbs; forelegs wide set; muscular thighs and gaskins; short cannons; medium length pasterns; strong, low set hocks, giving tremendous acceleration
Color: any solid color
Height: 14.3 to 16hh
Temperament: renown for their gentle, pleasant nature
Qualities: strong, fearless, athletic, fast over short distance		  

Quarter Horse
Photo supplied by Rutlands Quarter Horses
"A Passing Breeze Imp USA" - Victoria, Australia ©

 

Today:
Quarter Horses are popular in rodeos, barrel racing and horse racing over short distances. They are also used as police mounts and in a wide variety of pleasure activities.