Black Quarter Horse
The black Quarter Horse is a common coloration for this breed. Actually, Quarter Horses can be of almost any color and pattern. The most common color in this breed is sorrel (a part of the color group called chestnut.) Other recognized colors are: bay, buckskin, brown, palomino, grullo, gray, dun, red dun, red roan, bay roan, blue roan, perlino, and cremello. Spotted or pinto patterns are accepted if the DNA testing verifies the parentage. Before the advent of DNA testing, other patterns except solid were not registered.
The emphasis is placed on the working qualities and body type of these horses. The black Quarter Horse is characterized by a strong, well-muscled body, with a broad chest and powerful hindquarters. The head of the Quarter Horse is small, short, and refined with a straight profile. These horses are not very tall; they usually stand between 14 and 16 hands high. Some Halter-type Quarter horses may reach 17 hands at the withers.
A black Quarter Horse is available in two main body types: the hunter (racing) type and the stock type. Quarter Horses of the stock type are short, compact, stocky and well-muscled. The hunter type horses are somewhat taller, smoother muscled and more refined compared to the stock type.
The black American Quarter Horse is very versatile and suited for a variety of tasks. It’s best-known today as a ranch horse, race horse, show horse, reining and cutting horse, rodeo competitor, and all-around family horse. Actually, all western disciplines are favorite activities for the Quarter Horse. Gymkhana and barrel racing, calf roping, team roping and other rodeo events take advantage of the Quarter Horse’ agility. Stock horse events like cutting and reining are dominated by the American Quarter Horse. Many professional breeders raise high quality Quarter Horses specially for these events.
The black American Quarter Horse is also good at a wide assortment of pari-mutuel horse racing with purses in the millions. Quarter Horses can be trained to compete in dressage; they make good jumpers, if exercised regularly. Quarter Horses are also used for recreational trail riding and for police work. The black American Quarter Horse will become a friendly and loyal family companion and a first-time horse for a child.
