Quarter Horse

The Quarter Horse is the oldest of horse breeds created in America. It possibly originated from the Carolinas and Virginia, but most historians believe that the development of the Quarter Horse was in the southwestern part of the USA. The true beginning of the breed is not known for sure, because numerous horse breeds were crossbred to create the American Quarter Horse. European working horses taken to America by the first settlers were crossbred with the Mustangs and the Chickasaws secured from the Native Americans. These horses introduced by the Spanish conquistadors belonged to the Arabian and Iberian types. They became feral and adapted to living without man. Only the strongest and fastest horses survived in prairies of the Wild West.

The establishment of the American Quarter Horse took place not in colonial times, but some time later in the southwest range country where their utility value was truly appreciated. Selective or occasional breeding of European and local mounts created very hardy and endurable animals well adapted to the harsh conditions. These horses helped pioneers to move westward; they were also used as war mounts and farm horses.

Although famous from the early 17th century, the American Quarter Horse was officially registered only in the 1940s. Before the establishing of the Stud Book, there were no records of the bloodlines and pedigrees. Quarter horses were selected for their speed and working abilities. Crossbreeding with the Thoroughbred, Standardbred, and other breeds was a common thing. The Quarter Horse was a type of horse suited for quarter-mile races rather than a separate breed. It means that this breed is in a formative period now.

The American Quarter Horse of today is not versatile in terms its ancestors were. There are several types within the breed suited for particular purposes. The only things these types have in common are strong hind legs, small feet, small refined head and short body. Most American Quarter Horses of the racing type are bred for speed; the stock type is used for ranch work. Being obedient, sure-footed and steady, the Quarter Horse is good as a first-time mount.