Identifying a Quarter Horse

The American Quarter Horse Association describes the Quarter Horse as one of the most popular in the U.S. It has a history in the U.S. extending as far back as the early 1600s. The association traces the name Quarter Horse to Colonial racing when the distance of the race through rural areas and in the middle of towns was a quarter of a mile. Today, the American Quarter Horse is a celebrated breed that is known for its sprinting speed and competition performance. During those competitions, the qualities of the horse are judged as well.

Appearance

American Quarter Horses are reddish brown or sorrel, gray, brown, chestnut, among 16 other colors. The only white that appears on a good Quarter Horse is in patches on the face and on the legs, but below the horse's knees, according to the Red Hawk Horse Ranch, breeders of American Quarter Horses. The horses are never white in color or have white spots on any other portion of their body. The horse appears very muscular, but is shorter than many horse breeds, according to the American Quarter Horse Association.

Important Measurements

Texas Tech University describes the Quarter Horse as approximately 15 hands, or five feet tall. This measurement must be taken at the withers or that shoulder ridge that holds the saddle still. A good Quarter Horse weighs between 1,000 and 1,100 pounds.

Temperament

Quarter horses are known to be a calm breed with what many breeders call a "cow's sense." This description accurately the horse's intelligence in its ability to "outmaneuver cattle," according to Texas Tech University. New Zealand Horses Online describes the Quarter Horse's ability to perform with balance and ease as a good quality. In competition, a good horse will make smooth movements in good form.

Legacy

Texas Tech University states that a Quarter Horse must have a name to have its lineage traced. Racing horses benefit greatly from their legacy as the traits of the best racers are passed down the genetic line. The lineage of the horse is actually how owners select them for races. In fact, the value of a good Quarter Horse is only increased by a lineage of race winning ancestors.

"What's an American Quarter Horse," American Quarter Horse Association.
"American Quarter Horses," Red Hawk Horse Ranch.