American Quarter Horses: Breed Profile

The American Quarter Horse is a compact, muscular horse with a broad chest, powerful hindquarters and a calm, willing temperament. It comes in many colors, with sorrel and bay among the most common. It is widely used for ranch work, rodeo, pleasure riding and showing.

History

The breed grew from the cross of English horses and the sturdy Spanish type horses brought to the colonies. Colonists in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries raced these horses over short distances, often a quarter mile, which gave the breed its name. Over time, Quarter Horses became prized on western ranches for their agility and cow sense. The American Quarter Horse Association was founded in 1940 and has grown into one of the largest breed registries in the world, with a junior program for youth.

Purpose

Quarter Horses are versatile. They are used for cattle work, barrel racing, reining, roping, trail riding, English events and halter classes. Their short, quick bursts of speed, strong build and good minds make them popular with riders of all levels.

Where the breed stands today

The breed is abundant and not rare. Lines are often divided by type, such as halter, performance, working and racing, and a horse bred for one purpose may not be suited to another.

Showing Quarter Horses at 4-H and FFA

Pros

• Many classes. Horse shows offer halter, western pleasure, horsemanship, trail, reining and more, and Quarter Horses are accepted nearly everywhere.
• Strong youth support. The junior association offers programs, shows and scholarships.
• Versatile. One horse can compete in several types of classes.
• Plenty of help. Trainers, clubs and Extension educators know the breed.
• Good temperament. Many Quarter Horses are calm and trainable.

Cons

• High cost. Purchase price, feed, farrier, vet, tack and entry fees add up.
• Training required. A young or green horse can be dangerous with a beginner.
• Daily commitment. Horses need care every day, all year.
• Safety. Horses are large and strong, and riders need training and proper equipment.
• Competition. The breed is popular, so classes can be deep.

What to look for in a Quarter Horse project

A good project horse has a calm eye, sound legs and feet, a balanced build and a willing attitude. Age and training are more important than looks for a youth rider. A well-trained older horse can teach a student far more than a green young one. Have a veterinarian perform a pre-purchase exam.

Questions to ask a seller

• How old is the horse, and what is her training and show history?
• Is she registered, and with which association?
• What has she been used for, and how does she behave around other horses and new places?
• What does her health and vaccination record show?
• Is she suitable for a young or beginner rider?

Bottom line

A Quarter Horse is a great project for a committed student with good instruction and support. It is a poor choice for a first-time rider without a trainer or a family ready for the cost.

See Showmanship for how handling is judged across species. agriculture.directory lists vets, farriers and feed stores, and farm.fm has Horse Teaches Spin Class, Ranchers Faint from Galloping Too Fast.