| The American Quarter Horse is an amazing breed of | | | | to be shorter and bulkier. The modern Quarter Horse is |
| horse; it originated in the United States and has | | | | well known for its heavily muscled, well proportioned |
| continually gained popularity throughout its existence. | | | | bodies, and a unique head not found on any other |
| The breed came to be in late colonial times, as | | | | breed. The Quarter Horse head is muscular as well, |
| Thoroughbreds were imported from England and | | | | with small ears and muzzle, a large, clear, gentle eye, |
| crossed with native mares, the result was a short, | | | | and a large, chiseled jaw line. |
| stocky, agile horse with an enormous amount of | | | | This breed has a wonderful temperament, making |
| speed at distances of a quarter mile or less. Over the | | | | them excellent for anyone to ride and handle. Due to |
| years it has become one of the most versatile breeds | | | | their even disposition they are great with children, and |
| in the world, and is the most popular breed in the | | | | are right at home in a riding instruction program. They |
| United States. | | | | are comfortable on the trail, in the rodeo arena, show |
| The breed is known for their short compact body, | | | | arena, race track, as well as on a jumping course. |
| small well defined head and physical agility, as well as | | | | Although, Quarter Horses are best known and |
| their speed. They stand from 14 to 16 hands tall, and | | | | associated with the western rodeo and cattle events, |
| can be found in a variety of colors. The Quarter | | | | they have also excelled in cross country jumping, |
| Horses that are used in english events and on the race | | | | stadium jumping, and even in dressage classes. They |
| track tend to be taller and leaner, whereas the horses | | | | have been used for endurance trail riding and can |
| used for rodeo, cattle and western show events tend | | | | even be found in many mounted police forces. |