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