Chances are you’ve seen a Western on television or the big screen. If you have, then you have more than likely seen an American Quarter Horse. One of the first breeds to be native to the United States, the Quarter Horse evolved from Turk, Arab and Barb breeds.
The foundation stock was brought to the colonies from Ireland and England in the early 1600s. The combination of characteristics produced a heavily muscled, compact horse that was capable of running short distances very quickly. The quarter in the name refers to the speed they cover a quarter of a mile in.
The registry was not actually formed until 1940 and the goal of the registry was to preserve this breed and the name was officially made the American Quarter Horse. Their speed made them famous on the East Coast and races were held often. As settlers moved West, the Quarter horse proved to be excellent in cow sense and their ability to spin.
Since they could outmaneuver the cows, they became the chosen mounts of the cowboys. Between their sprinting and maneuverability, they were the most ideal cow horse and met the challenge of the west head on.
Their musculature and their speed remains, but their characteristics lend them to sports like rodeo events, roping and barrel racing. But don’t be fooled, these great horses demonstrate remarkable ability in English dressage and show jumping. Their competition ability is nearly unmatched by other breeds, but most Quarter Horse owners are more interested in the general pleasure they get out of riding these fabulous animals.
Among some of the most famous Quarter Horses included an ancestor of my husband’s beloved mare. Named Hit ‘em Hard, her great grandsire was Dash for Cash.
Known as one of the greatest sires of American racing Quarter horses, Dash for Cash was the Racing World Champion in 1976 and 1977. He set track records and 21 out of 25 starts. He is finished first or second in every race he ever ran save for one and he sired more than 1300 foals. His offspring have earned more awards, prizes and world championships including 135 stakes winners.
My husband understood the impact of racing along at speeds exceeding 30 to 40 miles per hour when he would urge Corona to run. Like her famous grandsire, her speed and ability were breathtaking. The American Quarter Horse is many things, but most of all it is beloved.
For more information, visit the American Quarter Horse Association’s Web Site