quarter horse
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quarter horse,
American breed of light horselight horse,any breed of horse that is used primarily for riding or for light work such as pulling buggies. Light horses have their origin in the Middle East and N Africa.
..... Click the link for more information. that originated during the colonial era, partly from Arabian ancestry (see Arabian horseArabian horse,
breed of light horse developed in Mesopotamia and N Africa, and probably the first true domesticated breed. Prized since earliest times for its superior beauty, spirit, speed, grace of movement, stamina, and intelligence, the Arabian has served as parental stock
..... Click the link for more information. ). The name refers to the horse's reputation for speed at the quarter-mile distance. It can spring into full speed and consequently is faster than the ThoroughbredThoroughbred horse,
breed of light horse more properly known as the English running horse. As its name implies, it was the first pedigreed, or "thoroughbred" horse. It originated in England from crosses between imported Turkish and Arabian horses and existing English lines and
..... Click the link for more information. for a short sprint. The breed was by far the most popular cattle horse in the early West. It continues in this role today and is also used almost exclusively for rodeo events such as cutting, roping, and barrel racing. Registered quarter horses are of solid colors, stand 15 to 16 hands (60–64 in./150–160 cm) high, weigh over 1,000 lb (450 kg), and have thick muscular shoulders and short necks.
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