American Quarter Horses Pictures

American Quarter Horses Pictures - Introduction

Picture source: Natural Hipic © 2003

The first quarter-mile race took place in 1694 at Enrico County, Virginia. By the end of the 17th century, quarter-mile racing became an inalienable attribute of life in America and spread around the entire country. It became a matter of great profit, and even big plantations were often at stake during one-on-one matches.

The breed was produced by mating a male Thoroughbred, named Janus, to Arabian, Chicksaw, Galloway, Barb and Thoroughbred mares. Newly bred horses had to feature strong body builds and perfect sprinting qualities; these were paramount traits for competitive racing. Quarter Horses were not only fine runners; they were also intelligent cattle drivers and obedient companions. During the 1800s, as the number of ranches grew, the breed advanced westwards. Their good and tolerant temper attracted workers, and the horse became extensively used in agriculture.

As time went on, breeders and fanciers continued to work toward developing a heavily muscled species. They were the best in sports and economy. However, it was not until 1940 that the breed received an official status, and since then American Quarter horses became widely spread throughout America and in Europe and Asia as well.