Origin & History
Named for its ability to outrun other breeds in quarter-mile races, the Quarter Horse developed in colonial America from crosses of English and Spanish stock. Enthusiasts formally established the American Quarter Horse Association in 1940, which today maintains the largest breed registry in the world.
Appearance
Compact and heavily muscled, particularly through the hindquarters, Quarter Horses come in every solid color and are built for explosive short-distance speed and quick, athletic maneuvering.
Temperament
Calm, versatile, and famous for natural "cow sense," Quarter Horses are prized across nearly every Western discipline as well as ranch and ordinary trail work.
A top Quarter Horse can outrun a Thoroughbred over a quarter mile, even though Thoroughbreds are faster at longer distances.
Common Uses
Reining, cutting, barrel racing, ranch work, and quarter-mile racing.
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