Quarter Horse Characteristics
The main Breed Characteristics for the Quarter Horse are simple: Short refined heads with straight profiles, very muscular body structure designed for short distance sprints. Because of this, they make great racehorses and can run the quarter mile relatively quickly at around 55 miles per hour. Many people enjoy using the Quarter Horse in stock competition because they make great ranching horses. Halter competition is also very common as they can be led by hand generally as easily as any other breed. They can perform well in hunter style competition with fences that are 3 feet tall.
There are 17 different color variations that are recognized within American Quarter Horse Breeds. They are known to have the following color variations: Bay, Black, Chestnut, Sorrel, Bay Roan, Dun, Red, Buckskin, Red Dun, Grullo, Palomino, Gray, Red Roan, Blue Roan, Cremello, Perlino and White. The color is controlled by specific genetics of the parent stud and mare. It is generally difficult to control the color outcome when coupling and mating two horses with well-developed genes. Even when the colors are similar, the offspring may exhibit different coloration variations with each generation.
Quarter Horses also do extremely well in showpen events. Showmanship is not too much of a challenge, as the Quarter Horse is able to be led around and presented by the exhibitor fairly well when compared to other breeds. Depending on the breed quality of the Quarter Horse in use, quality in horsemanship is greatly varied but is most commonly well handled through events. Halter events are easily done with the Quarter breed as they enjoy following their exhibitor through the event and can perform well with crowded gatherings. Show Horses are easily obtainable and are readily available through the American Quarter Horse Association breeder listings. They are bred extensively for all types of equestrian events.
The Quarter Horse is thus a great all around breed of horse that was designed to do mostly everything. It is gaining popularity amongst trainers, riders and plain ranch folk because of the horse’s grand lineage from transforming the colonial quarter horse from the 1700’s into the now well-known Quarter Horse breed. This horse was relied upon during the early history of cowboys and ranching. They are still in great demand and will continue to stay in demand for generations to come.
For more information on Quarter Horses, please visit The Quarter Horse Quarterly. An industry leading online magazine and classified ads dedicated to the Quarter Horse!
