Qualities of a Good Quarter Horse

Quarter horses are the most popular breed of horse in America today. They stand anywhere between 14.3 and 16.1 hands high (one hand equals 4 inches). Any solid color is recognized in the breed, as long as any white markings are restricted to the legs and face. There are several desirable qualities that mark this type of horse.

  1. Versatility

    • A good quarter horse should be versatile. The breed is widely used on ranches for rounding up and roping cattle. Many people believe these horses have an innate "cow sense," which makes them excel at working with bovines. However, they also are great when used for pleasure riding, the precision competition of dressage, show jumping, mounted games and just about anything else for which you can train them.

    Speed

    • Quarter horses are known for their speed. However, they're at their best when sprinting, since say they run quickly, but only over a short distance. In fact, the name "quarter horse" comes from the quarter-mile long races in which they were commonly entered. They can also make extremely quick starts and have often been known for being able to go from a standstill straight into a gallop.

    Temperament

    • Quarter horses are known for being calm and having a pleasant and even temperament. This makes then great for beginner horse riders and owners, since quarter horses are relatively easy to handle in comparison to many other breeds. Their even temperament helps more experienced riders when competing in shows and other events because they usually remain unfazed by crowds and other noises you may hear in the show ring. It's also for this reason that quarter horses are often used by mounted police.

    Agility

    • You often hear the phrase "turns on a dime" used in relation to quarter horses. A good quarter horse should be able to make quick and nimble turns and be generally very agile. The breed tends to have muscular and powerful hindquarters, which greatly aid heir agility. It's this quality, in addition to their speed over short distances, that makes them excel at ranch work, in rodeos and in gymkhana games, such as racing and barrel circling.