The Quarter Horse -- An American Classic

The Quarter Horse is a breed from the United States that is best known as a sprinter who can run short distances. This is the most popular breed of horse in the entire country and the AQHA has millions of horses registered. These horses are not just race horses, but are also used as rodeo horses, ranch horses and show horses. This horse features a compact body that lends itself perfectly to the agility required for various western riding tasks. These horses are used for roping, reining, cutting, herding and more. They excel in the show ring or at the ranch.

This horse originated in colonial times when English Thoroughbreds were crossed with Native American horses to produce this breed. The name of the breed came from the distance of race at which it did best. In the Old American West, this horse was used primarily by cowboys and ranch hands for work purposes. Although some tasks have been taken over by machines these days, these hardworking horses are still found working on ranches and farms as well as in the equestrian show ring.

These horses are beautiful, finely muscled and strong yet compact of body. They have small heads with straight profiles. Their chests are broad and their legs are lean. The average height is between 14 and 16 hands although some may grow larger. Body types come in two variations: stock and hunter. Stock horses are shorter, quite agile and more compact yet still strong. Hunter types look more like racehorses and bear a resemblance to the Thoroughbred breed of horse. You will find that these horses come in all colors, with the most common being a reddish brown shade called sorrel. Other colors include black, bay and chestnut. Some horses have white markings, especially on the face.

There are many books and resources that can help you learn more about raising and breeding the Quarter Horse. You may want to join the American Quarter Horse Association. If buying is your goal, you should definitely check out a variety of horses from different breeders before finding the right stallion, mare, filly or colt for you. If breeding is what you want to do, you will need to choose an appropriate sire and dam to produce a healthy foal with the characteristics you find desirable in a horse.



Horse Breeding News:
Horse breeders organize to sue Colorado State University over lab-fire losses - Denver Post

Horse breeders organize to sue Colorado State University over lab-fire losses
Denver Post
"My loss is greater than I can imagine," said horse breeder Shirley Hoffman, who had reproductive "straws" from five stallions secured at the lab. The reproductive material would have been used by the owners to breed their own mares or sold to other .

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Sports in Brief: 'Super horse' delivered in Ky.
A 125-pound bay colt was born to 2009 horse of the year Rachel Alexandra by 2007 and 2008 horse of the year Curlin. Jess Jackson, owner of Stonestreet Farm in Kentucky, said that his dream breeding pair would produce a super horse and the product of their mating was born on Sunday afternoon.Later this year, Rachel Alexandra is set to be bred to Bernardini, the 2006 Preakness winner...


The surprising connection between Wilsonville, Ireland and horses - KATU

The surprising connection between Wilsonville, Ireland and horses
KATU
It's known for its sport horses, Irish racing and breeds of horses. People in the local area fly frequently to Ireland for the bloodlines of the horses, who are characterized by their strong, sturdy and ambitious nature. For centuries, Ireland has been .

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Dispute over medication for graded stakes is the latest example of bickering . - NOLA.com

NOLA.com
Dispute over medication for graded stakes is the latest example of bickering .
NOLA.com
By Bob Fortus, The Times-Picayune The constant bickering among the numerous factions in horse racing has become tiresome, monotonous and more than a little irritating. It's unusual to find tracks, trainers, jockeys, owners, breeders, veterinarians, .

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Middle East Online
Sultan Qaboos presided Monday the annual Royal Horse Race Festival at Al Adiyat Horse Race Track in the Wilayat province of Seeb. The festival included six rounds, five of which were dedicated for Arabian pure breeds, one for Thoroughbred...


World to spend up large at Karaka auctions
Horse buyers from around the world are descending on the National Yearling sales at Karaka in search of the next Phar Lap - some arriving by helicopter.The furious whirring of a chopper coming in to land gives way to the gentle...


Stronach plans IPOs for six racehorse-ownership firms - Baltimore Sun (blog)

Stronach plans IPOs for six racehorse-ownership firms
Baltimore Sun (blog)
Frank Stronach, Pimlico's owner and a successful breeder, wants to bring horse ownership to the masses EUR” by selling stock in six new racehorse investment companies. For $10 a share, investors could own a piece of thoroughbreds that would be trained .

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Horse racing at odds with itself
Major roleplayers feel that the corporatisation of the industry has short-changed them...


Drought hurts horse rescue
The ongoing regional drought hasn't treated horse rescue operations kindly, and proprietors are hoping for change. Cheryl Webb and her husband built up Blue Rose Ranch in Springfield, Colo...


No Joey at Fort Robinson , just thousands of war horses
Nebraska once had thousands of war horses...


Stronach plans IPOs for six racehorse-ownership firms
Companies selling stock in thoroughbreds at $10 apiece Pimlico's owner wants to bring horse ownership to the masses..




Train Your Horse & Cure Bad Habits


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