Horse
Pronunciation:
Core-tuh
Breed Description:
The Quarter breed of horse is known to be the first established breed in the USA, even though the Morgan Horse was documented and a register opened prior to the formation of the American Quarter Horse Association in 1940. The current Quarter Horse register is now the largest horse register in the world, with millions of horses documented. The breed got its name “Quarter Horse” for being able to run a quarter mile at an incredible speed. They have been clocked doing between 50 and 55 miles per hour. Today they are still raced, but are also used for farm work and for carriage driving. Because the breed has great agility, speed and balance they also make brilliant working cattle horses and are fantastic for trail riding. They are the horse of choice for many different western riding events and for rodeo. They are sometimes entered in English-type showing classes and in driving competitions. The Quarter Horse should be well-muscled and well built. They generally have long, downward necks that need to be flexible on well defined withers. The quarters are wide and heavy and very well-muscled, with strong hind legs that have good muscle down the thigh and gaskin, that lead to their strong hocks and short cannon bones. Quarter Horses may be any color. Chestnut is the most common color for this breed but other colors including bay, black, grey, brown, palomino, dun, buckskin, and roan. Any color is accepted for registration.
Temperament:
The Quarter breed of horse is highly intelligent, friendly and willing. It is considered a "safe" horse breed that is suitable for beginners.
Height:
The Quarter breed of horse averages between 15 and 16 hands, or 60 to 64 inches at the withers.
Weight:
The Quarter breed of horse weighs on average between 1000 and 1250 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Quarter breed of horse can suffer from a disease called HYPP (hyperkalemic periodic paralysis) which is hereditary and causes the muscles to go into uncontrollable spasm. It is believed to have been passed down from one of the breed's most famous sires, a Quarter Horse called Impressive.
Living Conditions:
The Quarter breed of horse is hardy and will happily live outdoors. However they should be stabled in extreme weather conditions, whether excessively hot or cold.
Exercise:
The Quarter breed of horse needs to stay fit and healthy for racing, or if being used for other disciplines. They have lots of energy and need daily exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Quarter breed of horse can live between 20 and 35 years if healthy.
Grooming:
The Quarter breed of horse has a fine coat, and should have a daily grooming routine to keep the coat healthy and shiny, especially if being raced or is being used for competition riding or driving.
Origin:
The Quarter breed of horse origin dates back to the 1600’s when early settlers arrived in the US bringing horse stock from England. They were the same type of "running horse" that formed the basis for the English Thoroughbred breed of horse. Being on a different continent, the Quarter Horse evolved in a different way to the English Thoroughbred. There are 12 main Quarter Horse families that can be traced from the breed's most famous foundation sires – Janus and Sir Archy, both English imports. 