What Is the Innate Behavior of a Quarter Horse?

The American quarter horse, commonly just called a quarter horse, is named for its ability to outpace other horse breeds in quarter-mile races. Hundreds of years of selective breeding have established the quarter horse's solid temperament and unique behavior. Like other horses, it has several innate behavioral predispositions. However, horse owners should be aware that a horse's environment heavily influences her personality. Competent training and good socialization can help a horse overcome numerous problems, and a stressful environment will typically result in a bad temperament even in the normally unflappable quarter horse.

  1. Foal Instincts

    • Instincts are the most undeniably innate behaviors, because foals exhibit them immediately after birth. In all horses, these behaviors include suckling, standing, neighing, walking and running. Unless a foal is sick, she will exhibit most of these behaviors shortly after birth. However, even these behaviors can be altered by the environment and circumstance. For example, foals that are prevented from walking may develop severe limb weakness, while foals that have lots of running space are more likely to become competent runners.

    Adaptability

    • Unlike some other horse breeds, quarter houses have a naturally adaptive temperament and can be trained for a variety of lifestyles. They are used as show horses and racehorses, and in cattle work. Both stock and racing quarter horses are naturally athletic and agile. Thus the breed tends to be highly energetic.

    Temperament

    • Quarter horses tend to have very stable temperaments and are less likely than other breeds to spook. They tolerate riding well with minimal training but tend to be a bit reserved with new people. Quarter horses are less likely than other breeds to burst into spirited play, but they enjoy brief runs and other athletic activities.

    Intelligence

    • Quarter horses are among the most intelligent horse breeds. In the early development of the breed, horses were bred for their ability to competently herd cattle and adapt to human conditions. Modern quarter horses tend to be very observant and highly responsive to human emotions and behavior. Thus a competent trainer and a good rider are especially important for this breed.