Brief Overview of the American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse originated in the United States in the Colonial Era. The American Quarter Horse Association was formed in 1941, and is currently the largest recognized breed in the United States. The American Quarter Horse Registry is comprised of two parts: the purebred Quarter Horse, and the Appendix, which is a Registered Quarter Horse crossed with a Registered Thoroughbred.

The Quarter Horse´s fame began with the Colonists who favored racing, and the Quarter Horse proved himself in the short, quarter mile distances over all other breeds of the day; The Quarter Horse quickly became known as the "Quarter Pathers".

Once the West began to develop, the Quarter Horse was taken along by the new Pilgrims as they made their way to the West. Quickly becoming the favored mount of the Ranchers and the Cowboys for the Quarter Horse´s keen sense working with cattle, in and out of herds.

The Quarter Horse has established himself throughout the years in the Western Circles from Trail through to Penning, Cutting, and Roping.

The Quarter Horse is fast setting his mark in the English circles of today, by establishing records in Hunter/Jumpers, Eventing and Dressage circles.

Notorious for the excessively muscular rear quarters and shoulders; both stallion and late gelded geldings exhibit those famous excessively large jowels. The average Quarter Horse stands at 14 hands to 15.2 hands in height, and is any color; with several colors indigenous to the Quarter Horse himself....such colors as Gruella, Dun and Sorrel.

Notoriously great as a family´s and children´s horse, due to the steady, and consistant temperment. This factor coupled with the athletic ability of many of the Quarter Horse bloodlines, has increased the Quarter Horse´s popularity worldwide, and made him the current number one choice today in America.