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