Horse Breeders

American Quarter horses developed as a distinct breed due to the efforts of devoted horse breeders. Early foundation sires of Quarter horse type were registered in the 19th century, but the breed originated in the 17th century when fist settlers arrived to the New World and brought their working horses with them. The ancestors of the breed were English Thoroughbred horses and smaller Irish and Scottish working horses. In America, they were bred to the “native” mounts – Mustangs - that were the feral descendants of the Spanish stock. Consequently, the American Quarter horse combines the best qualities of the Iberian, Arabian and Barb horses. Many generations of feral living made Spanish horses very hardy and adapted to the conditions of the American Wild West.

In an attempt to create a versatile and strong breed, early horse breeders chose only the best stock. There were neither breed standard, no Stud book up to the 19th century, but the American Quarter horse preserved its typical body structure and working abilities because of careful breeding. A popular sport of racing influenced much the future development of the breed. American Quarter horses were exceptionally good over short distances. They even got their name because of quarter-mile racing. These horses retain their abilities up to nowadays. They are called “the world’s fastest athletes.”

Westward expansion has changed the image and the purposes of the Quarter horse. Horses that accompanied pioneers heading west were used for farm and ranch work. They crossbred with Mustangs and Native Americans’ mounts to the greater extent than their east American relatives and became very hardy and endurable. This variety of the Quarter horse possesses an excellent innate cow sense that means ability to control cattle. For many years, Quarter horses were irreplaceable for handling cattle. It’s only natural that this breed became a leader in rodeo – a contest between cowboys.

Up to nowadays, Quarter horses dominate in both speed events and in western competitions. An individual Quarter horse is no longer able to succeed in both sports; there are several types within the breed suited for various tasks. When choosing a horse, the buyer has to learn about the differences between the types and decide what type of a horse is necessary. Reputable horse breeders usually specialize in producing horses of one breed type.