Quarter Horse Racing

Quarter Horse racing became popular with the American colonists in the 18th century. At that time, most American cities were small and one of the few entertainments people had was racing over short distances. Races were usually held on the main street, as it was almost the only flat and straight road. The quarter of a mile was the usual length of the street. Only good sprinters could win such races. The horse breed that succeeded in quarter-mile races quickly won the popularity and was even named the American Quarter Horse.

In the 19th century, when the westward expansion started, Quarter Horse racing lost their popularity and racing horses turned into ranch workers. Crossbred with the Mustangs and mounts of the Native Americans, these horses became heavy, sure-footed, well muscled, more agile and endurable. The new crossbred was exceptionally good at working with cattle, which was indispensable for ranchers. Even after the invention of the automobile, Quarter horses were used on most ranches.

In the Wild West, rodeo competitions were more popular than Quarter Horse racing. Quarter horses participating in rodeo were different from their relatives used for racing. They became taller, with smooth gaits and more level topline. Still, all these horses featured the small refined head and powerful hindquarters characteristic of the breed.

Nowadays, the difference between the stock and racing Quarter horses turned into development of two breed types with different purposes. The stock type is used for western pleasure and halter competitions. The Quarter Horse racing type is good at racing over short distances, at hunting and at shows. Both types are good as family pets. Quarter horses are very obedient, loyal and easy to train.

Recently, there appeared very heavy horses for pulling weight. While standing from 15.2 to 16 hands at the withers, they weigh over 1400 pounds. It means that their mass is excessive for their bones. Too exaggerated features are bad for the horse’ health. Fortunately, this body type is no more popular. Quarter Horse racing and other sports are very popular nowadays; the majority of horses are bred for show ring and sporting events.