American Quarter Horses are one of the oldest recognized 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. By the late 17th century, these horses
were being raced successfully over quarter-mile courses in Rhode Island and Virginia,
and hence received the name Quarter Horses. The Quarter Horse was bred for performance
and had considerable Thoroughbred blood as well as traits of other lines. Important
sires include Janus, an English Thoroughbred imported to Virginia in 1756.
American Quarter Horses are an American breed of horse that excel
at sprinting short distances. Its name came from its ability to outdistance other
horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less; some have been clocked at speeds
up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h). American Quarter Horses are the most popular breed in
the United States today, and the American Quarter Horse Association is the largest
breed registry in the world, with almost 3 million American Quarter Horses currently
registered.
American Quarter Horses are well known both as a race horse and
for its performance in rodeos, horse shows, and as a working ranch horse. The compact
body of the American Quarter Horse is well-suited to the intricate and speedy maneuvers
required in reining, cutting, working cow horse, barrel racing, calf roping, and
other western riding events, especially those involving live cattle. The American
Quarter Horse is also shown in English disciplines, driving, and many other equestrian
activities.
Please see our description of Quarter horses
About American Quarter Horses
