11 Things You Should Know About The American Quarter Horse

The Quarter Horse is known as the world’s most popular breed of horse. And if not in the world, definitely in the US. American Quarter Horses originated in colonial times. There are records of their existence in the New World as early as the 1600s. The Quarter Horse was first bred in Virginia for riding and farm work. In this article, we share 11 things you didn’t know about the American Quarter Horse. Read on to learn more.

American Quarter Horse Interesting Facts

1. Made In America

Quarter Horses are known as the first All-American horse. The American Quarter Horse breed that we know today is a result of interbreeding with the descendants of the horses belonging to the early Spanish explorers (American mustangs), Arabian horses, Morgans, Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds.

With the passage of time and changing needs, American Quarter Horses were developed into a breed that has a strong and natural instinct for work with cattle.

2. Rodeo Started With Quarter Horses

Early Quarter Horses helped establish the tradition of rodeo. Cowboys using Quarter Horses to work cattle during the week would enjoy weekend races and competitions that laid the groundwork for today’s popular rodeo exhibitions.

3. Fastest Sprinters

Quarter Horses are so-called because they can run very fast for short distances (a quarter mile or under). These great sprinters have actually been known to run as fast as 55 miles an hour.

In addition to racing, Quarter Horses are also used as show horses, rodeo horses, working horses and for trail and pleasure riding.

4. Versatility In Body Types

There are three different types of Quarter Horse body types:

• Thoroughbred (aka: stock)
• Hunter (aka: intermediate)
• Heavy (aka: bulldog)

5. Versatility In Performance

Quarter Horses are best suited for Western riding activities. These compact, muscular horses excel at barrel racing, cutting, roping and reining. Even so, Quarter Horses are often used in English riding events, jumping and driving.

6. A Young Breed

The Quarter Horse breed is less than 100 years old. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) was set up in 1940. Today there are more than 5 million horses registered in at least 95 different countries, and it is the world’s largest horse breed registry.

7. Dual Registry Is Possible

Thoroughbreds can be registered with the AQHA; however, they must initially be registered by the Jockey Club. Offspring of dual registered horses are listed in the appendix of the stud book. This is why you will sometimes hear the term “appendix Quarter Horse”.

8. Quarter Horses Cannot Be “Splashy”

Registered paint horses must have Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred blood, but registered Quarter Horses cannot be paint. Horses with Appaloosa markings are also not eligible for registry as Quarter Horses.

9. A Horse Of A Different Color

Acceptable colors for registered Quarter Horses are:

• Palomino
• Blue Roan
• Bay Roan
• Red Roan
• Chestnut
• Cremello
• Buckskin
• Blue dun
• Red dun
• Perlino
• Sorrell
• Grulla
• Brown
• White
• Black
• Gray
• Dun
• Bay

10. 10 Facts About Quarter Horse

11. Excellent Temperaments

These horses are extremely biddable, easy to train and have a great, calm temperament. They are ideal for a kids’ first pony, and will always be gentle with their precious cargo.

Quarter horses are also great to have around the farm, as they get on well with other types of livestock, and even dogs and cats! They make a great family pony, as well as a hard working horse… Quarter horses pretty much have it all!