(photo taken from horsesonly.com)

American Quarter horses are one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are well known for they're sprinting ability, well-muscled body, level-head, and athletic capabilities in a wide variety of Western and English disciplines. The origin of their name is rooted in the fact that they were able to run a quarter of a mile faster then any other breed of horse.

(photo taken from Texas Trail Rides)

(photo taken from horsestockphotos.deviantart.com)

The breed began in colonial America and grew along with the country as people pushed further west. Back then, their jobs included pulling wagons and plows, as well as ranching horses to ride the plains and the prairies, not to mention their work as the famous Pony Express horses. They became an essential part of day to day life and were brought onto the ranches where their "cow smarts" really showed in cutting, roping, and working the cattle.

(photo taken from The Equestrian News)

Today they are used all over the country in shows, at home, and at ranches. They are a wonderful, dependable breed with their roots deep in the "working horse foundations". There are two types of Quarter horses: The stock horse type is shorter, stocky, well muscled, and compact. This type is very popular in Western disciplines. The racing and hunter Quarter horses are taller and smoother muscled, reflecting the Thoroughbred influence and are very popular in English disciplines.

(photo taken from HorseClicks: http://www.horseclicks.com/quarter-horse/A/horses-for-sale)

(photo taken from Wiki Horse World)

No matter what discipline you ride, the American Quarter horse is sure to take you places, whether it's a blue ribbon at a national show, or to the top of a mountain, where the two of you can spend some quality time together.

"Quarter horses: good for the mind, good for the body, great for the soul." --Author Unknown

~Saddle Up