| The American Quarter Horse is the first breed of | | | | every discipline available, from rodeo events, such as |
| horse native to the United States. The breed | | | | barrel racing and calf roping to English disciplines such |
| evolved when the bloodlines of horses brought to the | | | | as dressage and show jumping. The make a nice |
| New World were mixed. Foundation American | | | | little children's hunter as well, with the ability to jump a |
| Quarter Horse stock originated from Arab, Turk and | | | | wide range of heights. They are one of the most |
| Barb breeds. Selected Stallions and Mares were | | | | versatile breeds in the world. |
| crossed with horses brought to Colonial America from | | | | Many pleasure riders still look to the American Quarter |
| England and Ireland in the 1600's. This combination | | | | horse for recreational riding, as they make a nice |
| resulted in a compact, heavily muscled horse that | | | | pleasure horse as well. |
| evolved to fill the colonists passion for short distance | | | | Breeders, since the creation of the breed over fifty |
| racing. | | | | years ago, have diligently been trying to perfect the |
| The amazing power behind a quarter horse enabled | | | | bloodlines to produce a high quality versatile animal.. |
| this great animal to run short distances over a | | | | Strict guidelines have been set by the American |
| straightaway faster than any other horse with the | | | | Quarter Horse Association regarding registration of the |
| fastest being named Celebrated American Running | | | | American Quarter Horses. Some of these guidelines |
| Horse. The names for this breed has changed many | | | | include: |
| times over the years until 1940 when a registry was | | | | 1. Limited white markings on the face and below |
| formed to preserve the breed which officially became | | | | the knee |
| the American Quarter Horse Association. | | | | 2. Only thirteen accepted colors recognized by |
| In the year 1674 in Enrico County, Virginia the first | | | | the AQHA. These are sorrel (reddish brown), bay, |
| American Quarter Horse Race was held. They | | | | black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, |
| were one-on-one match races down village streets, | | | | grullo, palomino, red roan and blue roan. The official |
| county lanes and level pastures. Many | | | | gray color is what most people call white, but there are |
| disagreements and fights were generated from heavy | | | | no "white" American Quarter Horses. |
| betting of large purse races by 1690. | | | | 3. A quarter horse foal must be the product of a |
| The American Quarter Horse, due to their calm | | | | numbered American Quarter Horse dam and a |
| disposition and quick response time, the horse became | | | | numbered American Quarter Horse sire. There is an |
| known for its "cow sense", being able to outmaneuver | | | | appendiz registry for foals with one numbered |
| cattle. During the 1800's as many pioneer folk moved | | | | American Quarter Horse parent and one Throughbred |
| westward, so did the American Quarter Horse. An | | | | parent registered with The Jockey Club. |
| abundant amount of cattle ranches stretched across | | | | Some other notable characteristics of the American |
| the plains. Making this breed well suited for the cattle | | | | Quarter Horse is their speed, versatility, gentle nature, |
| ranchers. | | | | heavy muscling and keen cow sense. |
| In today's world, the American Quarter Horse still | | | | If you own an American Quarter Horse, no matter |
| remains a great sprinter known for their heavy | | | | what discipline you choose to ride, your horse will |
| muscling, but they have exceeded way past the cattle | | | | excel. This breed is one of the most enjoyable horse |
| horse. These amazing horses compete in almost | | | | breeds around today and one of the most popular. |