Understanding The Importance and Popularity of the American Quarter Horse
 2008 Robb Fowler

Quarter Horse seems like a strange name for an animal, but only
until you understand that Quarter horses are able to run a
quarter mile faster than any other horse can run the same
distance (in some situations, a Quarter Horse has been recorded
at over 50 miles per hour while running at full speed), then its
given name makes good sense. In part, that is a testament to the
horse's athletic ability, along with its strong, well-muscled
hind legs.

Combine versatility and an even temper with those characteristics
(athleticism and muscle structure) and you can see why Quarter
Horses are some of the most popular choices among those who are
buying from a list of horses for sale. Not only is the American
Quarter Horse common with a lot of general buyers, but the breed
is popular overall; the majority of horses registered worldwide
are registered with the American Quarter Horse Association.

Of the registered Quarter Horses, many run races thanks to their
speed. Many others are participants in horse shows. Others work
on ranches around the world. Still others - thanks to the Quarter
Horse's compact body - are used in working with cows, calf
roping, barrel racing, reining, cutting as well as other riding
events. But don't think of the Quarter Horse as merely a
workhorse: the Quarter Horse is equally at home in other
equestrian events.

Sport and speed both create environments in which the American
Quarter Horse feels at home. With Thoroughbred, Arabian and
Morgan bloodlines all contributing to the genetic pool of the
American Quarter Horse, it's not difficult to see why the
Quarter Horse excels in most situations.

Because of this, the American Quarter Horse is often seen in show
environments, in racing events, in rodeos as well as on the
ranch, and even in stables that are home to horses that are owned
by individuals and families, who just want a horse that they can
take out for enjoyable rides on trails. It's important to note,
however that just because Quarter Horses are used for ranch
working purposes as well as for trail riding doesn't mean that
they don't serve other purposes as well; for example, many
quarter horses have been used for dressage and for jumping
competitions.

As with anything else in life, not all Quarter Horses are created
equal. Most grow to between 14 and 16 hands high with some
growing to 17 hands. Stock Quarter Horses are agile and muscled,
however they appear to be compact and a bit stocky. Halter
Quarter Horses, on the other hand tend to be taller and have
similar smooth muscling to the Thoroughbred.

Regardless of whether or not the horses are of the stock or
halter variety, you're likely to discover that Quarter Horses
are available in a wide variety of colors. Most commonly, you'll
find them listed as sorrel - a brownish-red, chestnut brown
shade. That, however, doesn't mean that you won't find Quarter
Horses listed that are described as black, bay, gray, dun,
palomino, red roan or a number of other shades. All of these
colors - along with spotted or pinto colors - are found to be
acceptable when it comes time to register a horse with the
American Quarter Horse Association, provided the horse's parents
were registered as well.

If you are looking for a family horse, lineage and registration
with the American Quarter Horse Association may not be among your
top priorities when you're looking through listings of horses
for sale. Instead, you may be focused on a child's request for
"a brown one," or on finding a Quarter Horse that is closer to
14 hands rather than 16 or 17, which will make it easier for even
the youngest members of your family to ride.

On the other hand, if you are looking for an American Quarter
Horse because you are looking for the right animal to help you
around the ranch, when it comes to reigning in cattle, you may
actually want to know whether or not the Quarter Horse is from a
working line.

In other words, when you're making an effort to research Quarter
Horses for any purpose, focus on your needs first and foremost.
You will be more likely to find a Quarter Horse that will meet
your expectations if you know what your expectations really are.
This way you are sure to find exactly the Quarter Horse you need
and want.




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Robb Fowler writes about horses and horse ownership. To find
horses available for sale where you live, please visit the
HorseClicks marketplace to find Quarter Horses for Sale:
http://www.horseclicks.com/