The American Quarter Horse is the first breed of horse native to what is now the United States. A melting pot of various breeds brought to the English colonies in the 1600s, the Quarter Horse evolved to fill the colonists' passion for short-distance racing. The Quarter Horse is so-called for their bursts of speed, which can be sustained over short distances. They became known at first as Short Horses, due to the short distances they excelled in racing over and then later there name was changed to Quarter Horse after the quarter-of-a-mile races they ran. 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. The American Quarter Horse Association now has the largest register of any breed in the world.

During its history, the breed also became well known for its cow sense (the ability to out maneuver 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.

The Quarter Horse characteristically has a superb, calm and well balanced temperment, and is highly intellegent, making it a first class riding horse. In apperance they have excellent powerful confirmation. The head tends to be smallish and broad across the forehead, the neck is muscular and well formed, the chest wide and deep, the shoulders strong, sloping and powerful. They should be compact through the barrel and have emensley strong hindquarters, The legs are well formed, the cannon bone short, and the feet very hard. They can be any whole color and range in height between 14.2 to 16 hands high.

Although the athletic prowess of the American Quarter Horse carries many riders to the winner's circle, it is the breed's versatility and gentle nature that have made it the world's most popular horse. A novice rider of any age or a seasoned professional can find an American Quarter Horse that will provide a ride you will always remember.

BREED STANDARDS
Stance: The American Quarter Horse normally stands at ease with his Legs well under him which explains his ability to move quickly in any direction.

Action: The American Quarter Horse is collected in action enabling him to turn or stop with noticeable ease and balance, with his hocks well under him.

Head: The head of an American Quarter Horse reflects alert intelligence. He has a short broad head topped by small ears: kind wide-set eyes; large nostrils; short muzzle; and firm mouth. Well defined jaws give an impression of strength.

Neck: The head of the American Quarter Horse joins the neck at a near 45-degree angle, with a distinct space between jawbone and neck muscles allowing him to work with his head down without restricting his breathing. The medium length, slightly arched, full neck blends into sloping shoulders.

Shoulders: The American Quarter Horse's good saddle back is created by medium-high distinct withers, extending back and combining with deep sloping shoulders. This helps keep a saddle in the proper position for balanced riding.

Chest and Forelegs: As shown by his heart girth and wide-set forelegs, the American Quarter Horse is deep and broad chested. His smooth joints and short cannon bones are set on clean fetlocks, and medium length pasterns are supported by healthy hooves. The powerfully muscled forearm tapers to the knee, whether viewed from the front or back.

Back: The short back of the American Quarter Horse is full and powerful across the kidneys. The barrel is formed by deep, well-sprung ribs which extend to the hip joints. The underline, or abdominal area, should rise cleanly to the flank.

Hindquarters: Viewed from either side or the rear, the hindquarters are broad, deep and muscled fully through the thigh, stifle and gaskin down to the hock. The thickly muscled hind leg indicates the American Quarter Horse's great power and speed. When viewed from the rear, there is great width extending evenly from the top of the thigh to the gaskin. The hocks are wide set, deep and straight.

Bones, Legs & Hooves: The flat strong bones are free from fleshiness, puffs and injuries. The hooves are well rounded and roomy, with deep open heels.

Accepted colors: Bay, black, brown, chestnut, dun, red dun, grullo, buckskin, palomino, gray, red roan, blue roan, bay roan, cremello, perlino

Normal Height Parameters (in hands): 14.3 to 16 hands