Last Updated on May 31, 2020 by Allison Price
The Quarter Horse is one of the oldest horse breeds with an American origin. It is a cross between English and Spanish origin and trained for bred performance. On a cattle range, Quarter Horse is perfect for herding. Its incredible speed and intellect are suitable for cattle herding. Also, it has been a choice of rodeo riders. The breed is also used today for entertainment such as equestrian activities. It’s known as one of the most versatile horses. The American Quarter Horse is well suited for the complex and rapid maneuvers. This includes:
- Reining
- Cutting
- Working cow horse
- Barrel racing
- Roping of calves
- Other western riding events, particularly those involving live cattle. They are also perfect for English sports. This includes racing, show jumping, dressage, hunting, and many other equestrian practices.
Characteristics of the Quarter Horse
Physical Characteristics
One of the most striking physical features of the American Quarter Horse is its thick neck. It’s supported by a deep chest that depicts strength. This breed’s head is smaller than other breeds. Yet, it is proportional to the body’s muscular form. This horse has big kind eyes and ears are always pointing upward. It is as if the horse is always on its alert mode. The Quarter Horse varies in height from 14.3 to 16 hands. Many assume that while the horse’s legs are muscular, the feet tend to be smaller. Yet, there is nothing about the physique of this horse that appears not proportional.
Three types of Quarter Horses:
1. Heavy bulldog type. The type of bulldog has huge muscles, large hindquarters, and shoulders. It has a large barreled body.
2. Thoroughbred type. The Thoroughbred Type displays the frequent crossings between the two breeds. It is lean in musculature, has fine bones in the legs, and is sleeker than other types.
3. And popular Intermediate type. The intermediate form has a large muscle, strong bone, short back, and heavy body. The head at the jowl is short, wide and full, the ear tiny, and the neck full.
For those who are looking for a family horse, the American Quarter Horse is an excellent choice. They do have outstanding performance and stamina. They are not known for being able to handle long-distance racing. But, their agility and inherent quickness are exemplary.
Colors
Seeing the American Quarter Horse in a sorrel or chestnut color is very common. They have sometimes unique white markings close to the face.
What Is A Warm-Blooded Horse?
The equine community differentiates the breed of horses between cold-blooded and warm-blooded horses. Warmbloods are a cross characteristic combinations of the two breed groups. It has cold blood’s temperament and hot blood’s athleticism. Their lineage’s originated from Europe. The warhorses were combined with Arabian and Thoroughbreds. This resulted in more refined warmbloods than the cold-blooded horses. These breeds have become a popular show horse. Breeds of warmbloods include Trakehner, Hanoverian, Dutch Warmblood, American Warmblood, and Irish Draught.
Are Quarter Horses Considered To Be A Warm Blood?
The answer is NO. Quarter Horses are for a completely different set of qualifications than warmbloods. They are working cow horses with inbred cow sense. A warmblood mare wouldn’t have a clue what to do with a cow, though. Warmbloods were war horses at one time. But, they are now as sport horses and usually for jumping, dressage, and eventing. Quarter horses are working horses. They don’t fall back to the warm-blooded category. Its temperament is a combination of an Arabian/Thoroughbred and of a draft horse. Also, an average warmblood goes for about $10,000. A nice trail-horse-type Quarter Horse is around $2500 only. The cost of feeds and maintenance are then added. Usually, warmbloods are more expensive to feed, as they’re larger. Also, warmblood has more health issues than Quarter Horses.
Summarizing The Differences
- Cold blooded
Cold-blooded horses are the largest and heaviest breeds of horses. They are often called draft horses. The cold-blooded horse breeds are impressive animals. They are not only tall but also strong. They are often the workhorses of their day. These breeds are for pulling farm implements, wagons, and other heavy pulling jobs. The cold-blooded draft horses are gentle giants. They are patient and calm. Cold-blooded horses rarely run or gallop and spend the majority of their time walking. Its stride is flat and smooth.
- Warm blooded
Warm-blooded are horses that are very athletic and full of elegance. It is the combined traits of the hot and cold breeds. They have characteristic beautiful movement and gait as well. These horses are often found in Dressage, Jumping, and other Athletic Riding Disciplines.
- Hot blooded
Hot-blooded horses came from the Middle East. It’s pronounced beauty and elegant gait. They are athletic, graceful, and are built for speed. Their body frames are light with long legs while exhibiting refinement of composition. They are born for the show ring and racing events. The hot blood breeds are often intelligent, often willful, and quick-tempered. They also have a long history of being associated with wealth and nobility. And with their natural beauty and athleticism it’s no surprise that holds true today.
Breed Selection
| Cold Blooded and Draft Horse Breeds | Warm blooded horse breeds | Hot blooded horse breeds |
| Percheron | Irish Draught | Thoroughbred |
| Belgian | Holsteiner | Arabian |
| Clydesdale | Haflinger | Akhal-Teke |
| Friesian | Hanoverian | Spanish Barb |
| American Cream Draft | American Warmblood | |
| Black Forest Chestnut | Dutch Warmblood | |
| Noriker | Trakehner | |
| Poitevin | ||
| Shire | ||
| Suffolk Punch | ||
| Swedish Arennes |
