Horses,
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My partner is a |
Just what is an American Quarter Horse? If you have ever seen a horse in one of rodeo's timed events, been along for work on a ranch or watched a Western on the big or small screen, 9 times out of 10 you have witnessed an American Quarter Horse. More specifically, the
American Quarter Horse is the first breed of horse native to what is now
the United States. A melding of various breeds brought to the English
colonies in the 1600s, the Quarter Horse evolved to fill the colonists'
passion for short-distance racing. One-on-one match races were run down
village streets, country lanes or level pastures. These heavily muscled,
compact horses could run a short distance over a straightaway faster than
any other horse, and the fastest were called Celebrated American Quarter
Running Horses. Over the years, there were different variations of names,
but in 1940 a registry was formed to preserve the breed which officially
became the American Quarter Horse. During its history, the
breed also became well known for its cow sense (the ability to outmaneuver
cattle) and calm disposition. Today, the heavy muscling and sprinter's
speed remain characteristic traits, but like so many things modern the
breed has been specialized to excel at particular events. There are
American Quarter Horses competing in every discipline imaginable, from
traditional rodeo events such as roping and barrel racing to the refined
English classes of dressage and show jumping. Although competition options
are nearly unlimited, the number one interest of American Quarter Horse
owners remains riding for recreation. How can you tell if a horse
in the pasture is an American Quarter Horse? Well, if you're not
comfortable judging its conformation for clues, it will help to know that
American Quarter Horses are allowed only limited white markings on the
face and on the legs below the knees. See white anywhere else in spots or
patches and you're not looking at an American Quarter Horse. |
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In addition, there are 13 registrable colors of American Quarter Horses including the most prominent color of sorrel (reddish brown). The others are bay, black, brown, buckskin, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan and blue roan. It's interesting to note that the official gray coloring is what newcomers often call white, but there are no "white" American Quarter Horses. Of course, beyond its
appearance, a registered American Quarter Horse foal (or baby) is the
product of a registered American Quarter Horse dam (mare or mother) and a
registered American Quarter Horse sire (stallion or father). The American
Quarter Horse Association also offers an appendix registry for foals with
one American Quarter Horse parent and one Thoroughbred parent registered
with The Jockey Club. |
