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