The American Quarter Horse is an American breed of horse that excels at short distance sprints. The name came from its outstanding ability to outdistance other horse breeds in races of a quarter mile or less; It is documented that some individuals have been clocked at speeds up to 55 mph (88.5 km/h). As the most popular breed in the U.S today, The American Quarter Horse , has more than 5 million American Quarter Horses registered in the registry of the American Quarter Horse Association. Thus is the largest breed registry in the world.
The American Quarter Horse is well known both as a race horse and for its performance in rodeos, horse shows and as a working ranch horse. The compact body of the American Quarter Horse is well-suited to the intricate and speedy maneuvers required in reining, cutting, working cow horse, barrel racing, calf roping, and other western riding events, especially those involving live cattle. The American Quarter Horse is also shown in English disciplines, driving, and many other equestrian activities.
Its popularity in the Wild West has made it an icon of American horsemanship.It is considered an all-purpose horse.
American Quarter Horse horse breed has an average height of 17 hands, which is far taller than the average for all Horse Breeds. The average weight is 1,200 pounds, which is roughly the average for most Horse Breeds.
The following colors have been seen up to day on the horse's coat : Black, Brown, Bay, Buckskin, Cremello, Dun, Chesnut, Gray, Grullo, Palomino, Roan, Perlino and White colored coat.
The Quarter Horse is classified as a Warmblooded horse breed.