American Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse is North America’s most popular breed. The breed shines as a working, family or a show horse. The American Quarter Horse is one of the most versatile breeds.

Size and Weight:

This approximates to 68 inches to the withers of the horse. Average height for horse breeds is 60 inches. Therefore, the American Quarter Horse is taller than most horse breeds. The American Quarter Horse weighs 1,075 pounds, which is 50 pounds heavier than the average horse breed.

Coat and Colors:

Quarter Horses come in a variety of solid colors, roans, palominos, greys, buckskins and duns. Markings like stockings, stars, strips and blazes are common.

Appearance:

These strong horses are medium boned. Their heads are finely shaped, with a wide forehead and should have a flat profile. Their legs are strong without being rough and their shoulders and haunches are heavy and muscular. There are a few distinct types of Quarter Horses, such as the more leggy racing stock, or the more compact reining types.

Unique Characteristics:

The American Quarter Horse is a unique combination of speed and strength. However, when combined with their gentle nature and versatility as both a work and pleasure horse, it is easy to see why the breed has gained such worldwide popularity. From the ranch to the show ring to the trail, American Quarter Horses continually please both spectator and rider with their sure-footed gait, agility, comfortable mount, and willingness to please.

History:

American Quarter Horse, one of the oldest familiar breeds of horses in the United States. The breed originated about 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.