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of Mustang, Arab and Barb) selectively
with Thoroughbreds brought from England. This cross-breeding produced
an extremely agile, powerful horse with the ability to run short
distances rapidly. Hence, the name Quarter Horse, referring to this
breed's ability to accelerate suddenly and perform exceptionally
well in sprint racing, at the ¼ mile distance. Quarter Horse
racing remains a very popular American sport today. As the popularity
of this horse grew, careful breeding and record keeping allowed
this horse's best qualities to be brought out, as these traits were
easily passed to the off-spring. By 1941, the Quarter Horse was
officially recognized as a breed, and the American Quarter Horse
Association keeps the Stud Book today.
The Quarter Horse stands 14.1 to 16 hands high at the withers. He
has a short broad head, alert ears and large eyes. A short muscular
neck, well defined withers, deep wide chest and strong muscular
legs. He has a short back and extremely broad powerful hindquarters.
He is a highly intelligent, gentle, willing and easy to train horse
with many natural abilities. As this horse's reputation grew, he
became the essential horse for ranch work. He could carry his rider
all day over any terrain, agilely cut cattle from their herd, with
quick reflexes that anticipated the cows next move. Today’s
Quarter Horse is used for short distance racing, pleasure riding
and family companion, polo, ranching, rodeo competition and some
jumping events. The Quarter Horse is the most numerous breed in
the United States today, and his popularity has resulted in the
breed being exported all over the world.
Size: Height 7", Length 8 3/4"
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