If you have ever seen one of
rodeo's timed events, been along for work on a ranch or watched a
Western on the big screen or television, chances are you have
witnessed an American Quarter Horse in action.
The American Quarter Horse is the first breed of
horse native to the United States. The breed evolved when the
bloodlines of horses brought to the New World were mixed. Foundation
American Quarter Horse stock originated from Arab, Turk and Barb
breeds. Selected stallions and mares were crossed with horses
brought to Colonial America from England and Ireland in the early
1600s. This combination resulted in a compact, heavily muscled horse
that evolved to fill the colonist's passion for short-distance
racing.
These powerful animals could run a short distance
over a straightaway faster than any other horse, with the fastest
being named Celebrated American Running Horses. There were many
variations of names throughout the years but in 1940, a registry was
formed to preserve the breed which officially became the American
Quarter Horse. The first American Quarter Horse races were held at
Enrico County, Virginia in 1674. One-on-one match races were run
down village streets, country lanes and level pastures. By 1690,
large purses, heavy betting, disagreements and fights were a common
occurrence around match races. It is reported that grand plantations
may have changed hands on the outcome of these sprints.
As pioneers moved westward, so did the American
Quarter Horse. During the 1800s, vast cattle ranches began to
stretch across the plains. Known for its cow sense (the ability to
outmaneuver cattle) and calm disposition, the American Quarter Horse
was ideally suited for the challenge of the West.
Today, heavy muscling and sprinter's speed remain
characteristic traits but the breed has been specialized to excel at
particular events. 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 has made the
American Quarter Horse the one of the most versatile breeds in the
world. Although competition options are nearly unlimited, the number
one interest of American Quarter Horse owners remains riding for
recreation.
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