American Quarter Horse: Facts and Care Guide

The American Quarter Horse’s history can be traced back to the 1600s when colonists started to mix English thoroughbred horses and native horses from the East Coast of the United States. The American Quarter Horse can run short distances of up to a one-quarter mile. This horse’s ability to run faster than other breeds is what gave it its name. Continue reading to find out more about this unique American horse breed.

Here are some quick facts about the American Quarter Horse

American Quarter Horse Overview

Cowboys loved the American Quarter Horse because it can travel at speeds of up to 55 miles an hour over short distances. It is a confident horse that can take corners and make jumps. It is a good arm hand because it has a natural ability to control cattle. It is a great choice for new owners because it has a long life expectancy, comes in many colors, and is easy to train.

What is the Average Cost of Quarter Horses in America?

The American Quarter Horse will cost you approximately $3,500. However, the price will vary depending on the amount of training that the horse has received. Horse owners often prefer to buy horses that are ready to ride. This training can be quite expensive. A fully-trained American Quarter can cost you up to $10,000.

Before you buy a horse, you need to consider the additional costs involved in owning one. The cost of horse care, including saddles, equipment, veterinary visits, and food, can add up quickly. These items should be purchased at least once a year.

The Typical Behavior and Temperament

The American Quarter Horse is calm, and easy to train. The American Quarter Horse is a great choice for novice riders. It can also be used to perform any task that you might require. It is not easy to spook, and it has enough energy for a full day of riding. Horses will feel more at ease around humans if they are socialized early in their lives. This horse is easy to train. The horse will learn to trust you and be more willing to follow your commands.

Appearance and Varieties

The American Quarter Horse is slightly smaller than the Thoroughbred but has a stronger muscle mass. This breed of horse you’ll often see in England is also a popular one. It is between 56 and 64 inches tall. This horse can hold 13-16 hands. They are usually between 900 to 1,200 pounds in weight and have very strong bodies. They come in many colors including grey, brown, bay, and sorrel.

How to Care for an American Quarter Horse

Habitat Setup & Conditions

Experts recommend a circle pen of 50-60 feet in size. A 60-65-foot pen can reduce stress on the horse’s joints. The pen was traditionally built by ranch hands out of wood. However, most modern owners use metal panels. Each panel measures approximately 12 feet in width. You can also add or subtract panels to change the pen’s dimensions. You can also change the pen’s position with this system. For a 50-foot pen, you will need 13 panels; for a 65-foot pen, you will need 17 panels.

You can have the panels made of solid metal or with holes like a fence. Solid panels are better because your horse won’t jump out and its hooves won’t be stuck to a sheet of metal like a fence. If your horse is aggressive, fence-style panels might be necessary to get out of the pen quickly.

Are American Quarter Horses compatible with other pets?

The American Quarter Horse is calm and gentle and rarely gets bothered by other pets. Because of its large size and speed, most other animals are unable to be aggressive toward the horse.

How to feed your American Quarter Horse

American Quarter Horses will eat grass and hay primarily. It will also enjoy eating bran, barley, and oats. It may need some nutritional supplements and treats such as carrots or apples. Horse owners should also be aware that horses can consume as much as 8 gallons of water per day.

How to Keep Your American Quarter Horse Well

You will want to ensure your American Quarter Horse is healthy. The majority of its nutrition will come from the grass it consumes. To get your grass tested by an expert, you might want to send a sample. After the lab has given you the results, you will be able to discuss them with your vet to determine if any additional supplements are needed.

Your horse needs protection from the elements to keep healthy. It will tolerate temperatures between 20 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit but will shelter from extremes.

To keep your horse healthy, you will need to take him for at least 15 to 20 minutes each day. Horses who don’t exercise enough will have joint problems, muscle atrophy, and constipation.

Breeding

A stallion can be purchased and paid a fee for breeding with other mares. This is a great way to start breeding the American Quarter Horse. This system will allow the mares to naturally breed with the stallion and will not require any effort or knowledge from you. If you decide to raise the stallion as well as the mare, it is important to have an understanding of how to breed the animal. If you have the right experience, American Quarter Horse breeding can be very lucrative.

Are American Quarter Horses suitable for you?

The American Quarter Horse is a great choice for beginners and anyone looking for a quiet, easy-to-train horse. It is a quiet horse that does not buck, has no health issues, and can live for a very long time. You won’t have to travel far to buy one due to its popularity in America.

We hope that you enjoyed this guide and learned something about this magnificent animal. We hope you are convinced to give the American Quarter Horse a shot on your property. Please share our guide on Facebook and Twitter.