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Quarter Horse Racing American Quarter Horses
are the first native breed of horse to the USA. They originated from Arab,
Turk and Barb breeds crossed with English and Irish horses brought to
colonial America. The result was a compact horse with a heavily muscled
body.
These powerful horses are infamous for being able to
run short flat distances faster than any other breed. The name 'Quarter
Horse' originated from the fact that the breed could cover quarter mile
distances with ease.
Today, the quarter horse has been specialised to excel
in particular events. They compete in events ranging from rodeo style roping
and barrel racing to the more refined English practice of dressage and show
jumping. This has made the quarter horse the most versatile breed in the
world.
The AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) have
established strict guidelines concerning American Quarter horses.
The main characteristics of the quarter horse are
their white markings. They are only allowed limited white markings on their
face and below their knees. If a horse has any additional white markings,
they are not an American Quarter Horse.
There are also only 13 accepted colours of quarter
horse recognised by the AQHA, they are black, brown, bay, buckskin,
chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palamino, red roan, blue roan and the
most popular colour is sorrel (reddish brown).
If you would like to find out any more information on
Quarter horses, or Quarter horse racing, visit the
AQHA website.
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