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The Quarter Horse - Most Popular of
Breeds
The Quarter Mile
Stretch |
As its name implies,
the Quarter Horse excels at racing over a short distance, a
quarter of a mile to be exact. Considered the first “All
American” breed it may well be “the most popular horse in
the world” with more than 2 ½ million entries in the
American Quarter Horse Association’s register.
There are differing opinions as to the true beginnings of
the breed. Some historians say that the breed began in the
Carolinas and Virginia. It is suggested that the Chickasaws
which were obtained from the Indians were the true beginning
of the Quarter Horse. The Chickasaws were a small, blocky
horse of Spanish origin that were well adapted to a variety
of uses. Other historians feel it is more logical to assume
that the principal development and establishment of the
Quarter Horse came about some time later, in the
southwestern United States, rather than in the colonial
times.
These horses were used for farm work, cattle herding,
hauling lumber, in harness and under saddle. They were also
raced on quarter mile stretches. This may explain why the
breed developed the ability to explosively sprint into a
flat out gallop from a standing start. These horses were
prized for their speed, balance, agility and the uncanny
instinct for working cattle which seemed completely
independent of their riders. It was said that “he could
turn on a dime and give you nine cents change”. |
The
early improvement in the Quarter Horse and the early
development of the Thoroughbred in the United States were
closely associated. Some sires contributed notably to both
of the breeds.
The first notable horse of Quarter type was a stallion named
Steel Dust. Before the American Quarter Horse Association
was established and the name Quarter Horse was officially
adopted, horses descended from Steel Dust or horses that
were of his similar type were called “Steel Dust Horses”.
Notable sires in Quarter Horse history are Janus, King,
Cooper Bottom, Old Shiloh, Sir Archy, Lock’s Rondo and
Traveler; however the most famous and influential of all
sires in the establishment of the Quarter Horse was Peter
McCue, foaled in 1895. Peter McCue was registered as a
thoroughbred but later evidence was presented to show that
he was not sired by the horse indicated in his official
pedigree but was sired by Dan Tucker, who in turn was traced
to the male line of Old Shiloh. Most modern Quarter Horses
can trace their lineage to Peter McCue. |
Jack
Snips Miss Moola
Sierra
King
Painted Ponies Quarter Horse
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Good Asset
TH Saint
Snips Silver Legacy
Magic
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The
Horse who has had the most impact on the Quarter Horse breed
was a sire named Three Bars (1940 – 1968). This horse from
Midway, Kentucky has left his mark in racing, cutting,
halter and other performance events. Three Bars is in over
68,000 pedigrees.
The first horse to be registered with the American
Quarter Horse Association was Wimpy P1 bred at the famous
King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas. The King Ranch is one of
the best known Quarter Horse breeding facilities. King Ranch
obtained Old Sorrel (1915 – 1945) who proved to be an
exceptional cow horse and developed a breeding program to
proliferate Old Sorrel’s line. There was also considerable
thoroughbred breeding involved in the development of King
Ranch Quarter Horses.
Quarter Horses are seen in a variety of colors. The American
Quarter Association recognizes 16 colors which are Bay,
Brown, Black, Sorrel, Chestnut, Dun, Red Dun, Grullo,
Buckskin, Palomino, Grey, Red Roan, Blue Roan, Bay Roan,
Cremello, and Perlino.
Today
the Quarter Horse excels at whatever he is asked to do. You
will see the Quarter Horse as a trail mount, race horse,
hunter, pleasure horse, cutting horse, gaming horse,
dressage horse, carriage horse, derby horse and therapeutic
riding mount. The Quarter Horse is balanced, focused, and
intelligent. Most of all this versatile breeds loves his
job…whatever that may be.
American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA)
National
Foundation Quarter Horse Association (NFQHA)
King Ranch - Birthplace of American Ranching |
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Sierra |
Badges Platinum Plus
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Handsome &
Badges Platinum Plus |
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written
by Donna Nearing
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