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Quarter Horse History
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Since the breed was recognized in the late 1800s, the breed has been known as Billy horses, Steeldusts, or Rondos (usually named after the Ranch's they came from). The Quarter Horses of today can be traced to the Arabian, Turk, and Barb, which are pretty much what all breeds today can go back to. It is also known that Thoroughbred blood had a huge influence on what the breed has become today.
The Quarter Horse was and still is loved and admired for its ability for running short distances very quickly, for its ability to out-manuver stock and for high energy bursts and then go quickly back into a calm, alert, energy-conserving animal.
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In the early 20th century the Quarter Horse breed was selectively bred into an animal that brought together a rapid manuverability and a low center of gravity, enough muscle to handle any size of cattle, to have a quick start, awesome speed over short distances, and to be a bit closer to the ground for easy mounting for the ranch hands who worked from their backs daily.
The first Quarter Horse races were held in Enrico County, Virginia in 1674. One-on-one matches were run down village streets, country lanes, and level pastures. By 1690, large rewards, lots of betting, arguments and fist fights were seen at nearly all the races, (most being between owner & owner).
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Some of the foundation bloodlines found on Lucky's pedigree.
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King
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Doc Bar
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To preserve what the Quarter Horse was then, a group a QH lovers met in Fort Worth, Texas and in 1940 an association was formed, an association that is now one of the largest equine breed registries in the world. The American Quarter Horse Association. With the headquarters stationed in Amarillo, Texas, the AQHA has over 3.7 million horses registered with it and has served over 300,000 members, they being located all around the world.
The AQHA, since, has taken a large responsibility in overseeing the highest of standards for the breed. The Quarter Horse is known as "America's Horse." It is believed to be the first "American Horse!" The Quarter Horse is known for its versitility, they are known to excel in a number of Western events, which include: roping, reining, cutting, . . . all working cow disciplines. And even English events: driving, dressage, show jumping, etc.
And since the Thoroughbred played a huge part in developing todays Quarter Horse, the AQHA stud book has remained opened to Thoroughbreds. The Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred crosses are entered into a registry called "Appendix Quarter Horses." Most of these mixed horses are entered into events like Quarter Horse Racing, Jumping and Hunter classes. If the owners of theses horses wish to have them registered with the American Quarter Horse Association, they must first pass a rigorous test of conformation and performance criteria.
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For more detailed information on Quarter Horse history, please visit this link Quarter Horse Legends
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References
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* www.nzhorses.co.ns
* www.imh.org
* ultimatehorsesite.com
* wikipedia.org
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AQHA Headquarters in Amarillo, Texas.
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