The American Quarter Horse is one of America’s most popular breeds. Today, the breed is used for almost every discipline – from barrel racing to dressage, and everything in between. But how well do you know the history of the Quarter Horse? See if you know the following facts about this versatile breed.
#1 – America’s Horse
The Quarter Horse (QH) is one of the oldest recognized breeds from the United States. It originated in the 1660s as a “cross between native horses of Spanish origin used by the earliest colonists and English horses imported to Virginia from about 1610.” (Britannica.com)
#2 – The Quarter Mile
Why a Quarter? The QH was originally used as a sprinter, running races that were a quarter-mile in length in Rhode Island and Virginia . They excelled at it, hence the name. (Britannica.com)
#3 – Pushed out West
When the Thoroughbred entered the racing scene, the QH became less popular. However, the breed traveled West and was found to excel as a stock mount for the cowboys, who also continued to race them, making them an all-around mount.
#4 – The First 20
On March 14, 1940, the American Quarter Horse Association was founded. The first 20 horses, were all stallions, were chosen based on their parentage, conformation and performance. (americashorsedaily.com)
#5 – Peter McCue
Do you know Peter McCue? He’s a horse, and not just any horse. Born in 1895, his bloodlines appear in almost every Quarter Horse today.
#6 – One of The Largest Registries In the World
The AQHA is one of the largest breeder’s organizations in the world. The 2014 registration numbers were 2.9 million, which of course doesn’t include grade or appendix horses.
#7 – Germany Loves The QH
After North America (The U.S and Canada), Germany has the most registered Quarter Horses of any country, with just shy of 20,000 horses. They hold 76 shows a year there for the breed as well.
#8 – Note The Red Coat
According to registration numbers, sorrel and chestnut at the most common colors in the Quarter Horse. Originally, there were just 13 accepted coat colors, though that has changed over the years to accept colors like cremello, perlino, and smoky cream. (horse-genetics.com)
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
L
I was wondering why a picture of an Icelandic horse was placed under the "fascinating facts about the Quarter Horse" title. (But it's a very cute picture regardless.)