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:
The flow of history Feng shui permeates historic homes (Reading Eagle)
Monica Hess said she thinks she knows why Mount Vernon and Monticello gave us charismatic leaders, why Calumet Farm, Lexington, Ky.'s historic horse breeding stable, went into decline, why the sun didn't always shine bright on My Old Kentucky Home: feng shui...


2008 Thoroughbred year saw tragic finish, historic failure (USA Today)
Although the 2008 Thoroughbred racing season provided its share of memorable victories, the year will be remembered more for circumstances surrounding defeats. USA TODAY horse racing writer Tom Pedulla looks at events that reminded everyone of the sport's uncanny ability to produce the highest of highs and the lowest of lows...


CEM outbreak at American stud farm (Horse and Hound)
Four horses at an American stud farm have tested positive for the venereal disease contagious equine metritis (CEM)..


C-J horse injury series wins Eclipse Award (Louisville Courier-Journal)
"Tragedy on the Track," a three-day series examining injuries to thoroughbred race horses, has won an Eclipse Award...


Racing industry big winner from Louisiana casinos (The Shreveport Times)
Horsemen are enjoying record purses and the state's breeding industry is getting a major boost from slot casinos at the tracks themselves. State figures show that as of June 30, slot proceeds had produced $330.6 million for the industry, which has about 8,900 direct employees, according to the American Horse Council...


Free to a good home -- the horse of your choice (Pleasanton Tri-Valley Herald)
Horse market hits new lows; more animals than ever shipped out of U.S. for slaughter. Slideshow: Horse market crash..



Train Your Horse & Cure Bad Habits


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