World Equestrian Games - The American Quarter Horse Right at Home in Kentucky

The American Quarter Horse will be seen, respected, adored, judged, tested, and supported throughout the 2010 FEI World Equestrian janus games in Lexington, Kentucky, where it will once again display to the world the many reasons why it is so beloved and valued here. Aside from the sprint racing elite, the quarter horse has not gained much favor as a sporting horse across the world, and it must be said that they tend to lack the overall size and build for cross country or jumping competitions. On the other hand, there is an amazing amount of talent, personality, and charisma to this breed, one which has conquered the west and continues to dominate in every venue he is set to learn of. There is a reason why this purely American breed has been invited to contend on the world stage.

The conquistadors brought stock of Arabian, Barb, and Iberian descent into North America during the 1600's, and the Native American Indians used these lines to develop their own breeds, amongst which came the Chickasaw. When fine thoroughbred stock was then imported during the 1700's, most notably the grandson of the Godolphin Arabian named Janus, and the blood lines were crossed, the first "Quarter Mile Horse" was bred. Much smaller than the thoroughbred, with finer facial features and an immensely strong and stocky build, the "Quarter Miler" unwound like a slingshot and dug in courageously when he raced and worked.

His thoroughbred sire didn't hit peak speed until the short race was over, during which the quarter horse had leveled out at speeds exceeding an astounding 54 miles per hour. He quickly became the favored horse in America, both for his sprinting capabilities and for his stringent, willing work ethic. The quarter horse quickly gained a reputation for his all around usefulness and hardiness, rarely complaining and always giving his full on best effort.

Breeding efforts have introduced a longer, taller version of the quarter horse by way of adding more thoroughbred lines, and smaller, more spirited versions using concentrated Arabian crossing over time. The stock quarter horse is one which resembles the earliest descendants of the breed, giving the close coupled and formidable build that is so impressive and useful in all duties. The temperament of this breed should be calm, even, fearless, and willing. These are horses of high intelligence, athleticism, grace, and trainability, and the reining competition allows them to prove how amazing they truly are.