The American Quarter Horse – a highly motivated, easy-going partner

With more than 4.6 million registrations, this horse breed holds the record in terms of popularity worldwide. No other breed has so many representatives at the start. And this majority does not come about without reason.

The “Quarter” (= its affectionate short name) consistently convinces with relevant arguments. A horse that sneaks into our hearts for a reason. See for yourself why the American Quarter Horse is so sought after by horse lovers!

Historical

Horses brought to America from Europe and the Orient (e.g. b Arabians, Berbers, cold-blooded horses, Spanish and English thoroughbreds) formed the basic lineage of today's Quarter Horse. Particularly noteworthy was the Spanish influence and the proportion of thoroughbreds from England. At this time of creation, around the 15th century. and 16. Century, only those horse breeds that were robust enough were able to develop further. The sturdy quarter resulted from this. Today the breeding goal is defined in various subdivisions. Later more.

Its visual appearance

The Quarter Horse is one of the horse breeds that are very easy to recognize externally. The very strong muscles are immediately noticeable. A particularly powerful, sloping hindquarter allows powerful thrust.

The back and shoulders also have visible muscles. The chest is generously laid out and reveals from the front that this is a powerfully stable horse with top foundations.

A well-shaped neck of appropriate length flows into the withers, which often flows well into the back area. The belt depth is optimally dimensioned. Muscular, stable legs with firm hooves provide the necessary grip.

The striking western horses have a pretty wedge-shaped head, rather small ears and beautiful, gentle eyes that reflect the open and relaxed nature of the Quarter. The forehead area is relatively wide. Despite the large ganaches, there is enough ganache freedom.

The covering is silky and of normal density. In some Quarter Horse representatives, the crest can appear somewhat sparse. The tail sits low.

The stick size varies from 148 cm - approx. 163cm. This wide range comes from breeding or the desired breeding goal is achieved. In any case, very individual and diversely interesting. Find out more about the suitability of these pretty animals.

The coat pattern of the Quarter Horse

As with many horse breeds, there is plenty of “illustrative material” here too. Almost all coat colors occur, except for the spotted one. Only the Paint Horses (= piebald, spotted Quarter Horses) are allowed to have these!

The main fur color is clearly the fox (called “sorrel” in the American language). However, this coloring is divided into: b in fox with spiky hair (“Red roan”) or sweat fox (“Chestnut”).

Browns (“Bay”) are also widespread. The color "Buckskin" is popular and is characterized by a beautiful sandy earth tone. Mouse gray ("Grullo") is rarer and usually has a dark eel stripe on the back. Even zebra stripes are possible on the legs.

Lighter coat colors are dun ("Dun") and Isabell ("Palomino"). There are now also Cremellos. This is a pretty bright Isabell. You are less likely to find badges on the Quarter Horse. Black horses and gray horses are also not represented in large numbers.

The inner values

The American Quarter Horse is characterized by its high level of motivation and coolness. It is good-natured and very cooperative. The positive sensitivity of these horses makes them great riding partners. They belong to the horse breeds that have a so-called “cow sense”. This means that it is in their blood to select and drive cattle precisely and independently. This ability makes the Quarter particularly popular with ranchers, cowboys and western riding. They are by far the best western horses!

Usage

It's not just the work on cattle that makes these agile horses so valuable. These western horses also shine in other areas. They have always impressed with their enormous sprint in horse racing. So they are actually the fastest horses in the world over a quarter mile! Hence the name of the powerhouses: Quarter = “quarter”. You see, they really achieve top performances and effortlessly break records. Without a doubt, highly motivated partners!

Importance is placed on the versatility of this breed during breeding. Different quarter types are required for the different western disciplines in equestrian sport. The requirements in show, reining, horsemanship, cutting etc. Each requires a usable building.

Western riding really covers an extensive spectrum and benefits from the selective breeding of the Stock type (very compact, older breeding line), the Halter type (extremely muscular horses) and the Pleasure type (finer-limbed and larger). This means that the American Quarter Horse can act flexibly in equestrian sports and is an extremely sought-after all-rounder in western riding.

But the harmoniously built Quarter horses don't just make a great impression as pure western horses. You can always count on their coolness and sure-footedness when off-road or on a trail ride. In addition, the soft gaits, especially the jog (= slow trot), are the dream of every recreational rider.

Do you want to feel like a real cowgirl? Ride an American Quarter and experience the USA - pure feeling!

Animalons brush recommendation for the American Quarter Horse:

Our Care Flex horsehair brush brush is used to thoroughly clean the horse's coat, which removes both loose dust and dirt from the horse's coat.

The Quarter Horse impresses with its silky, shiny coat and wants a brush that particularly emphasizes the shine. Our Care Flex Shine Brush made of real goat hair not only ensures a beautiful shine on the fur, but also leaves it soft and fluffy.