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Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................ 5 CHAPTER 1 ...................................................................................................................... 6 THE HISTORY BEHIND THE BREED ................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER 2 ...................................................................................................................... 9 BREED CHARACTERISTICS & CONFORMATION............................................................... 10 Acceptable Coat Colors ............................................................................................ 12 Markings ................................................................................................................... 16 Leg Markings ............................................................................................................ 17 Conformation ............................................................................................................ 17 Conformation Description ........................................................................................ 18 CHAPTER 3 .................................................................................................................... 20 PERFECT QUARTER HORSES........................................................................................... 20 Wimpy P-1................................................................................................................. 20 Dash For Cash.......................................................................................................... 22 CHAPTER 4 .................................................................................................................... 24 AMERICAN QUARTER HORSE EVENTS ........................................................................... 24 Showing..................................................................................................................... 24 English Events........................................................................................................... 27 Halter ........................................................................................................................ 29
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Introduction What is the perfect Quarter Horse? This is a question that is often asked when there are over 4 million Quarter Horse’s registered with the American Quarter Horse Association. The horse has been a foundation in the horse world of the United States. It has been used for everything from ranch work to dressage. The horse has made its mark as one of the most versatile breeds in the equine world. So, perhaps the perfect horse is a versatile horse.
Or, is a perfect Quarter Horse a horse that is able to make itself a member of the family? A horse that is trusted with the smallest child in the family and one that can make sure you make it back home safely when the trail gets rough. The American Quarter Horse has been this companion to many children throughout the history of the breed.
Perhaps the perfect Quarter Horse is the fastest in a spring of a quarter mile. This was what the breed was initially named for and is still known for today. There are hundreds of thousands of American Quarter Horse’s in race training as you read this book and many of them will be made stars of the track while others will retire to pastures to breed and produce more of this fine breed. Others may not be for the track, but will excel in a jumping course or to the rodeo in barrel racing. The versatility of this breed allows those horses not suitable for the track to be used elsewhere where they will still excel no matter what challenge they face.
So, as you read this book about this amazing and versatile breed, consider what the perfect Quarter Horse means to you and how this breed can make your dreams come true. That is the perfect Quarter Horse.
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Chapter 1
The History Behind the Breed “Spending that many hours in the saddle gave a man plenty of time to think. That’s why so many cowboys fancied themselves Philosophers.” ~Charles M. Russell When many people think of the American Quarter Horse they tend to think of cowboys whooping and hollering at a herd of cows. They may even think of rodeos and ranch work. It is true that this is where much of the foundation of this breed was born, but it goes back much farther than the days of the cowboys.
The American Quarter Horse was the first breed to be native to the United States. It evolved from a variety of bloodlines of horses that were brought to the New World. Arabians, Turks and Barbs all had a play in the development of this breed. As selected stallions and mares were transported across the Atlantic Ocean from England and Ireland, they were crossed with selected horses in Colonial America. During the 1600s we saw a breed develop that was a combination of compact, heavily muscled horses as well as speed. These horses filled the need for horse racing that many of colonists loved dearly. England was known for fast long-distance Thoroughbreds, but the colonists loved these short-distance races most and the Quarter Horse was the perfect match.
The Quarter Horse held many names during this time. Many were called the Celebrated American Running Horses while other were simply known as “Steel Dust,” a popular stallion that is considered to be one of the foundation horses of the breed. Other names included the “Quarter Miler” and “Quarter Mile Horse.” Throughout these many names we saw a final name chosen in 1940. It was during this time that the world’s largest registry would be born, however unknown at www.equineonline.com.au
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the time. This registry was formed to preserve the breed and it’s rich history and the breed became known as the American Quarter Horse.
In 1674, however, the first American Quarter Horse races were held in Henrico County, Virginia. The races were one-on-one matches that galloped through the village streets, country lanes and pastures. By 1690, this sport had grown immensely and even large wagers were being made and large purses were being offered. It was common to see disagreements and fights as spectators cheered on their horse and booed at others. Many of the grand plantations of Virginia may have even exchanged hands as an outcome to these heated matches. The horse was a workhorse during the week and a racehorse on the weekends.
“Worried Momma” Painting by Justin Wells
Americans began to explore further west. With them they took their American Quarter Horse. In search of their Manifest Destiny, many families and their horses headed off towards the west to find a better life. Many of these families would establish the grand ranches of the 1800s. These horses would be bred with Spanish stock of Hernan Cortez. These were the horses of the west, known as Mustangs. The Quarter Horse was crossed with the domesticated horses of the Indian tribes including the Comanche, Shoshoni and Nez Perce. The result was a western horse that would be suitable for ranch work and aided in the development of “cow sense.” They maintained their easygoing personalities and strong heart. Vast cattle ranches were strewn across the plains and many were without fences. The cattle would graze and the Quarter Horse would keep a watchful eye, as the cowboys would ride to gather the herd for the annual cattle drives. This www.equineonline.com.au
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made them the ultimate companion on the trails and it was obvious that the American Quarter Horse was suited for life in the west.
Today, these horses come in two varieties. The breed has been largely influenced by the Thoroughbred, as breeders and trainers have looked for ways to improve the speed of the breed. These horses tend to look very similar to that of a Thoroughbred, but with the calm disposition of the Quarter Horse. These horses are registered as Appendix Quarter Horses because of their strong Thoroughbred background and influences. The second type is the traditional small, compact and heavily muscled horse suitable for a variety of jobs, but most notably ranch work and similar events.
Despite the two types, we see both types of horses compete in a wide variety of events. They have competed and excelled at everything from racing, to rodeo timed-events to jumping and dressage. This has made the Quarter Horse one of the most versatile breeds in the world. With all the options for competition available to the horse, its number one use is for riding recreation and a reliable part of the family.
There were several foundation-bred horses that made an impact on the breed. The first was Steel Dust. The stallion was foaled in 1843 and the breed itself was actually referred to by his name. Then there was Shiloh in 1844 and Traveler, who was shipped to Texas, in 1889. Then the Thoroughbred sire that would have an impact on the breed in terms of racing was Peter McCue, foaled in 1895.
During the development of the ranch working Quarter Horses there were three major Texas cattle ranches that would have a large effect on the breed. These were the King Ranch, 6666 (Four Sixes) Ranch and the W.T. Waggoner ranch. Today, the King Ranch and 6666 (Four Sixes) Ranch still play a large part in the breeding and maintenance of the foundation bloodlines.
Perhaps one of the most popular stallions of the American Quarter Horse’s time was the late, great Rugged Lark. In 1985, Rugged Lark made his www.equineonline.com.au
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debut as America’s Superhorse. He would go on again to win it in 1987 as well. He was a World Champion in 1985 and 1987 as well as a Reserve Champion in 1987. He placed Top Ten at the World Show, earned a Superior Performance and was an AQHA High Point Performance Horse in 1986 and 1987. His versatility spread through to the National Reining Horse Association as well where he was a money earner and Performance Point Earner. He was also the only sire to produce two Superhorse offspring. With trusted trainer and partner, Lynn Palm, Rugged Lark would also make several appearances with the United States Equestrian Team where he would exhibit his excellent dressage skill without a bridle, perhaps one of the most memorable moments of the horse’s career. He was also known to have an excellent and sweet disposition despite being a stallion and would often accompany his owner, Carol Harris. The horse was so popular that he had a Breyer Model made after him to commemorate his talents. On October 26, 2004 we lost the beautiful bay stallion to colic complications. He was 23. He is remembered for his affectionate personality, ambassador to therapeutic riding programs and dearly beloved horse with horse people from across the world. He could easily be considered the perfect Quarter Horse.
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Chapter 2
Breed Characteristics & Conformation “The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man.� ~ Winston Churchill In the 1940s, a group of horsemen and ranchers from the southwest formed the American Quarter Horse Association. The association was dedicated to preserving the pedigrees of these great horses and to define the breed characteristics that were desired. The first horse to be registered and the first to be entered into American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame was Wimpy P1. He was a descendent of the King Ranch foundation sire Old Sorrel. Other major foundation sires include King, Peppy, Leo, Poco Bueno, Three Bars, although a Thoroughbred, and Joe Hancock. There were several Thoroughbreds that are seen throughout the pedigrees of many Quarter Horses. These include Top Deck, King Plaudit, Blob, Johnny Dial, Vandy and Truckle Feature. These stallions played a major role in the maintenance of the breed and keeping it competitive on the track.
The American Quarter Horse was formally established as a breed, but the AQHA chose to leave the studbook open to Thoroughbreds. The Thoroughbred breed had made such an impact on the breed as a whole and continues to do so to do this day. The cross between Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred has allowed the breed to compete in racing, hunter, jumper and dressage events. The use of Thoroughbred stallions in breeding also leaves the gene pool open and prevents the Quarter Horse breed from becoming inbred.
The first office of the American Quarter Horse Association was set up in the home of Bob Dernhardt. He was appointed secretary and would run the association out of his home until the association was relocated to Amarillo, Texas in 1947. It was during this time that strict breed characteristics were developed, although they continue to evolve to this day. The first approved show was held in July 1940 during the Texas Cowboy Reunion in Stamford, Texas.
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Breeders have been perfecting the bloodlines of the Quarter Horse for over 50 years. The goal is to produce a high quality and versatile animal. There are strict guidelines regarding the registration of these horses and they are allowed only limited white markings on the face and blow the knees. There are sixteen accepted colors and if there are spots of white anywhere else on the horse, the horse is not considered to be a Quarter Horse and is ineligible for registration.
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Acceptable Coat Colors Coat Color
Description The cremellos appears to be almost white with a mane and tail the same color as the body. The mane and tail may appear to have a copper or orange hue in some horses. The horse will always have pale blue eyes.
Cremello The perlino appears to be almost white with the mane and tail being darker. The mane and tail typically has an orange or copper hue. The mane and tail genetically tests as black. The horse will always have pale blue eyes. Perlino The chestnut is the most popular color in the Quarter Horse. The base color of the body is red, although it may not appear red. It is often a dark red that is called liver, or it can be lighter like that of a sorrel. The mane and tail are often the same color as the body, but can be darker or even flaxen. There should be Chestnut
no black points on the horse, but it may have a dorsal stripe.
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The most common color of the American Quarter Horse is sorrel. The body is red with a red mane and tail and no black points. The shade of red may vary from bright red to a darker red. They may also have a flaxen mane and tail. A dorsal stripe may be present.
Sorrel The color of a gray horse can largely depend on the age of the horse. The gray may appear anywhere from a silvery color to a light brass color. It may also turn whitish as the horse ages. The legs are often black with gray hairs Gray
spread throughout. A bay has a base color anywhere from a dark tan to a copper red or brownish red. The mane and tail are always black and the legs are black as well. The tips and rims of the ears will also be black.
Bay There are variations within the color brown. These horses tend to have brown muzzles, but may also have black points as well. Seal brown horses are consistently dark brown over the entire body.
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There are two categories of black horses. Some black horses will be “true” black all year and will retain a black mane and tail and will not sun fade. The others are not “true” black, as they will fade in the sunlight. These horses may be genetically black but will appear to be brown due to fading in the Black
sun. These horses may remain completely black and appear to be “true” black if left indoors. The palomino may appear to be very pale, to the point that it is almost white, yellow, golden, light tan or a deep chestnut color that is commonly known as “chocolate.” The mane and tail should be almost white, flaxen or blonde. The eyes are brown or black. Blue eyes are rare but possible.
Palomino The buckskin horse may appear to be almost white, yellowish, golden, light tan or a deep tan similar to the color of peanut butter. The mane and tail is black and may have silvery strands in it. The lower legs are black and the tips of the ears are may be black or dark Buckskin www.equineonline.com.au
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Red dun is a broad color range, but should never have black points. The color variation ranges from pale red to gold or light tan. All colors are dilute forms of red. The mane and tail may be the same color as the body, but may vary as well. The dun will have a dorsal Red Dun
strip, zebra stripes on the legs and striping over the withers. The dun often appears to be a buckskin and may appear yellow, golden, light tan or deep tan. The mane and tail will be black and the legs are black to a degree. The tips of the ears will be black or dark brown. The dun will have a dorsal stripe, zebra strips on the legs and striping over the withers.
Dun The grulla appears to be gray, silvery or smoky. There are some variations within these colors and may often be referred to as “mouse colored.� The horse will have black points associated with that of the dun including a dorsal stripe, zebra stripes on legs and over Grulla
withers. A blue roan will be a base color of black or brown. White hair is mixed throughout the coat giving it the appearance of blue. The legs will be black. The mane and tail are also black. The head may appear brownish.
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Blue Roan The red roan has a sorrel base with white hairs spread throughout the body. Some may refer to these horses as strawberry roans. The mane and tail are often sorrel as well.
Red Roan The bay roan is a horse with a bay color base and white hair mixed throughout it. The mane and tail are black with the legs and head being black as well.
Bay Roan
Markings
Bald: A bald face horse has white that begins above the forehead and down to the muzzle. The white will also extend beyond the bridge of their nose and onto the side of the face.
Blaze: A blaze is a white area that runs down along the bridge of the nose. They are often a wide, white stripe.
Snip: A snip is a little spot of white that is located on the muzzle above the lip.
Star: A star is a white spot on the forehead. www.equineonline.com.au
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Stripe: A narrow white stripe down the center of the face. These are much thinner than a blaze, although they are in the same area.
Many horses will have a combination of disjointed facial markings such as a star, stripe and snip.
Leg Markings
Coronet: This is a small white band just above the top of the hoof, where the coronet is located.
Half Cannon: White on the leg that extends halfway up the middle of the cannon bone, they are longer than a sock, but shorter than a stocking.
Half Pastern: A half pastern is white that extends halfway up the pastern.
Sock: White that extends two-thirds of the way up the cannon of the leg.
Stocking: White that extends from the hoof up to the knee or the hock.
Conformation Conformation refers to the correctness of a horse's bone structure, musculature, and its body proportions in relation to each other. It is important to remember that each horse will have its own conformation faults, but the severity of them will depend how it effects the horse in its performance. Because the Quarter Horse is so versatile, it is imperative that the Quarter Horse has good conformation to remain sound and healthy. There are several undesirable traits that the www.equineonline.com.au
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AQHA will accept but do not want passed on through the breed. Genetic defects and undesirable traits are to be indicated on the registration certificate of the horse.
Parrot Mouth: The parrot mouth is overshot or undershot.
Cryptorchid: The cryptorchid has less than two visible testes in the scrotum.
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis (HYPP): This is a muscular disease that leads to uncontrolled muscle twitching or profound muscle weakness. In severe cases there may be collapse or death. According to research, this has descended from the stallion Impressive, AQHA registration number 0767246. o A negative notation for HYPP must appear on the registration certificate after testing for the gene. o AQHA requires mandatory parentage verification of any foals to be registered that has bloodlines tracing back to the HYPP gene.
White Markings: The AQHA is very specific regarding the white markings on a horse. If there are white markings with underlying white skin, the horse may be subject to parentage verification through DNA typing. There are rare instances in which two solid color horses will produce foals with overo-type markings. These markings are considered undesirable.
o Leg White Markings: White cannot extend above the knees on the front legs or above the hock on the hind legs.
o Face Markings: There should be no white behind the poll and throatlatch. The horse may be bald face, but cannot be beyond the outside of the eye.
o Body Markings: A horse is allowed a single area of white with underlying light skin that can be covered by a one inch disc in diameter. The spot may be freestanding on the body or be a portion that extends beyond the lines.
o Genitalia Markings: Areas of white, pink and mottled skin on the genitalia, udder or sheath or inside the legs are not allowed. www.equineonline.com.au
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Conformation Description Height: 14.3 to 16 hands
The Quarter horse should be stocky and broad chested. The horse should have well muscled hindquarters and a compact body. The head is to be short and wide with wide-set eyes. The cannons are short and the hocks should be flat and low set.
The AQHA rulebook states the best conformation description of the Quarter Horse.
“The ideal American Quarter horse shown at halter is a horse that is generally considered to be solid in color and possess the following characteristics: o The horse should posses an eye appeal that is the result of a harmonious blending of an attractive head. o Refined throatlatch. o Well-proportioned, trim neck. o Long, sloping shoulder. o Deep heart girth. o Short back. o Strong loin and coupling. o Long Hip and croup. o Well-defined muscular stifle, gaskin, forearm, and chest. o These characteristics should a balanced athlete that is muscled uniformly throughout. www.equineonline.com.au
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Chapter 3
P e r f e c t Qu a r t e r H o r s e s “A horse is worth more than riches.� ~Spanish Proverb These are just a few of the foundation Quarter Horses that have made a lasting impact on the breed. Should you have a horse with these sires in his bloodlines, hold on to them tightly as they are most likely perfect Quarter Horses.
Wimpy P-1 The King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas played a large role in the development of the American Quarter Horse Association. Wimpy was bred and raised on the King Ranch. He was honored in 1941 at the Fort Worth Exposition and Fat Stock Show as a grand champion stallion. With this honor, Wimpy received the number 1 in the AQHA registry. He had the reputation of being an excellent sire that produced exceptional offspring. He sired 170 foals that were registered with the AQHA. His offspring included 1 AQHA Champion, 4 Performance Registers of Merit and numerous halter and performance point earners.
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King King has been considered one of the greatest horses of his time. The horse was established as a dynasty, although he never won any performance events. He did sire 20 AQHA Champions, 84 Performance Registers of Merit, 12 Racing Registers of Merit, 3 Superior halter Award Winners and 10 Superior Performance Award winners. When King was born, the AQHA did not yet exist. His excellent conformation has become a standard for AQHA judging for over a decade.
Leo Leo was known for his speed. He later gained the reputation of being a leading sire. His sons and daughters excelled on the track and were successful in the show ring. The offspring not only had speed but athletic ability. This has led to him being one of the most sought after stallions in breeding bloodlines. Leo sired 24 AQHA Champions, 33 Performance Registers of Merit, 211 Race Registers of Merit, 4 Superior Halter Awards, 2 Superior Performance Awards, 8 Superior Race Awards, 1 Supreme Champion and 4 Racing World Champions. Leo reportedly only lost 2 out of 22 start in his racing career and is best known for his successful offspring.
Doc Bar Doc Bar was not bred to be a cow horse but he made a huge impact on the cutting horse industry. Doc Bar was by Lightning Bar and out of Dandy Doll. He was a horse that was bred for speed and for the track. Unfortunately, the track was not where he wanted to be and he only won $95 in his 4 starts. He wasn’t much of a performance horse either, but heads turned in the halter arena. His foals, however, revolutionized the cutting industry. They were successful in performance events including working cow horse, reining and western pleasure. Doc Bar sired 485 foals which earned 7,000 halter and performance points. He also produced 27 AQHA Champions. Doc Bar is credited for changing the look of a cutting horse and for giving them their sweeping motion that is seen today. www.equineonline.com.au
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Go Man Go Go Man Go changed and dominate AQHA racing. He was a champion the moment he walked into the starting gates. Go Man Go was foaled in 1953 and quickly proved that he had the ability to run, despite not being bred from racing stock. Go Man Go was extremely successful on the track. He was a 3 time World Champion Racing American Quarter Horse and was the first 2-year old to earn that honor. He also earned multiple divisional titles and set 3 track records. He also set a world record and became one of the greatest sires in Quarter Horse racing.
Easy Jet Easy Jet was known for his controversial racing career, however he quickly became a highly sought after sire. He was loaded into the gates 26 times as a 2-year old and many would have thought he would have been injured. Despite his numerous starts, he won 22 races including the infamous All-American. He also won the Kansas, Columbus Triple Crown, and the AllAmerican Quarter Horse Congress Futurities. He was a World Champion Quarter Running Horse, Champion Stallion and Champion 2-year old. As a 3-year old he was just as successful. He retained the title of World Champion Quarter Running Horse only as a 3-year old and Champion Quarter Running 3-year old Colt. In his career of 28 starts, he had 27 firsts, 7 seconds, and 2 thirds. By the end of 1993, his offspring had already earned more than $25 million on the track. He also sired 1,500 horses that reached their Registers of Merits.
Dash For Cash Dash For Cash is considered one of the greatest sires of racing Quarter Horses. His statistics were amazing and are only made www.equineonline.com.au
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better with the statistics of his offspring. In 1976 and 1977, Dash For Cash was Racing World Champion and Superior Racehorse. In 1976, he set two track records. He won 21 of 25 starts, including 9 stakes races from 1975 10 1978. He finished first or second in every race except for one. His 1, 353 foals have made him a living legend. His offspring have earned more $37 million and include 1 AQHA Supreme Championship, 880 Registers of Merit, 39 World Champions and 135 Stakes Winners. His offspring have not only been exceptional on the racetrack but in barrel racing as well. Many of his descendants are sought by barrel racers.
Refrigerator Refrigerator is the only Quarter Horse to exceed the $2 million dollar mark with winnings of $2, 126, 309. He won 22 of 36 racing campaigns, including 11 stakes races. He won the All-American Futurity and is the only horse to win three runnings of the Champions of Champions race. His career highlights include 2 World Championships and the 400 yard stakes record for the All American Futurity.
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Chapter 4
American Quarter Horse Events “No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.” ~Winston Churchill The American Quarter Horse is so versatile that they can be seen competing in just about every event. Not only do they excel in cow horse events but they have made excellent hunters and jumpers as well. They will always be known as racehorses, but they can also make great companion for weekend trail rides.
Recreation If you are all about hitting the trails and having a good weekend aboard your Quarter Horse, then the Horseback Riding Program may be of interest to you. The program allows AQHA members and non-members to sign up and log their riding hours. It doesn’t matter if you are riding for fun, showing, work or vacation, you can log the hours that you sped doing so aboard your horse. AQHA also offer a division for all breeds as not all family members and friends own Quarter Horses. This is a great way to win prizes and awards for spending time in the saddle.
The AQHA Ride Program is a unique program that allows riders to travel with the AQHA to various areas for trail rides. The program has been in place since 1997 and over 50,000 riders have joined AQHA on the trails. They ride through scenic canyons, mountains and even the beach. You can travel to various locations and participate or look for trail rides near your area.
Showing Showing can be fun for the whole family. Showing is more than winning prizes and ribbons, but it’s the thrill of competing as a team with your horse. You meet new people and horses and you www.equineonline.com.au
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are there for the fun if for anything else. Horse people like to be around other horse people and that’s whom you meet when you go to the show. The AQHA offers a variety of classes, show formats and divisions. This allows competitors to compete against others with the same skill and knowledge. You can also find a variety classes that will peak your interest. You can specialize in one or you can have fun in them all. There are a variety of classes for English, Western, Halter and Driving. These classes show the true versatility of this amazing breed.
Western Events
Western Pleasure is one of the most popular classes at AQHA shows. This is because the Quarter Horse is the ultimate pleasure horse. Competitors compete together at the walk, jog, lope and reverse. Gaits are called at the discretion of the judge and direction changes are also included. Horses are judged on being quiet, calm and traveling on a loose rein.
Western Riding judges the ability of the Quarter Horse to change leads precisely and on cue. The horse should change leads easily and simultaneously in both the hind and front legs. There are four patterns that are chosen at the discretion of the judge. The pattern includes a series of pylons and a log. The horse must change gaits throughout the pattern. The horse that is fluid and precise is favored.
Western Horsemanship judges the abilities of youth and amateur riders. The class is performed into sections. In the first section the riders follow a prescribed pattern of maneuvers at a walk, trot or lope. Finalists will ride as a group so that the judge can assess the rider’s body position, seat in the saddle and ability to control the horse. The horse is not judged in this class.
Trail is a fun class that tests the horse’s ability complete and maneuver an obstacle course. A variety of obstacles are used including trot poles, bridges, gates and boxes. Scoring is based on the horse’s willingness and ease of completing the course. www.equineonline.com.au
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Reining judges the horse’s movements and mastery of maneuvers and attitude. Judges choose a pattern and the horse is required to perform a variety of spins, stops, rollbacks, lead changes and circles at a lope and with varying speeds. The horse should be willing and guided with little or no resistance.
Cutting is a battle between horse and cow. This class tests the cow sense of the Quarter Horse. Cutting involves cutting g a cow from the herd and the ability of the horse to hold it away from the herd. The horse is scored on its ability to keep the cow from returning to the herd, attentiveness, cow sense and courage. There is a 2 ½ minute time limit. Working Cow Horse is an event that is growing in popularity. This class combines reining ability with cow sense and ranch work. The class is part reining pattern and part actual cow work. Judging is based on the horse’s manners, smoothness, cow sense and reining ability. Tie-Down Roping tests the horse’s ability to follow a calf and give the rider the opportunity to catch the calf quickly. The horse is judged on how quietly he awaits the calf’s release, how well he runs to the calf, rates the calf and positions behind the calf for roping. The horse is also judged on stopping and working the rope without dragging the calf. There is a one-minute time limit.
Breakaway Roping is a timed event for amateur and youth contestants. In breakaway roping, the rope is attached to a string on the saddle horn so that the rope breaks away when the calf is caught.
Dally Team Roping Heading and Heeling is a team-roping event similar to that of tie-down roping. The heading horse is judged on rating the steer and the ability to match the speed of the steer and putting it in position for the heeler. The heeling horse is judged on the ease at which he turns, rating the steer, and positioning the heeler for the catch.
Team Penning is a group time event in which three riders sort three specifically numbered head of cattle from a herd and into a pen at the other end of the arena. All within 90 seconds.
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Stake Racing is a speed-timed event for youth exhibitors only. The stake race consists of the rider beginning in the middle of the arena and running to and around the first pole, make a 180degree turn, run to the opposite pole, turn and head back towards the centerline.
Barrel Racing is a timed event in which exhibitors follow a course of three barrels in a cloverleaf pattern for the fastest completion time.
Pole Bending is a timed event in which the horse and rider must weave through the six poles twice, twice circling the end poles before turning and racing towards the finish line. A penalty is assessed for each pole that is knocked down.
Versatility Ranch Horse is the newest class at AQHA. The class involves five categories including:
Ranch Riding
Ranch Trail
Ranch Cutting
Working Ranch Horse
Ranch Conformation
One rider must compete with one horse in all five classes.
English Events
Hunt Seat Equitation tests the ability of the rider and not the horse. Similar to western horsemanship, the contestant must complete a pattern as well as rail work including changing gaits, traveling in a figure 8 pattern, backing up, posting on the correct diagonal and countercantering. The rider must sit correctly, hold the correct posture and control the horse in a precise pattern.
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Hunter Under Saddle is a preliminary class for English disciplines. The horse is judged as a hunter-type Quarter Horse on the flat at the walk, trot and canter. The gait should be smooth and free flowing. The horse should be willing to perform. Traditional English attire is required.
Hunter Hack is a transitional English class between hunter under saddle and working hunter. Horses must jump two fences and then work on the rail at a walk, trot, and canter. Emphasis is on manners on the flat and style over fences.
Green Working Hunter is designed for horses in their first year of showing over fences. Horses must not have earned more than 10 AQHA points in working hunter or jumping classes. The fences are not as demanding as in working hunter.
Working Hunter is an event that demonstrates the gracefulness of the horse over a course of four fences. The horse must jump a minimum of eight fences. Manners, style of jumping, flow, balance and an even hunting pace are required.
Jumping is the most exciting event at an AQHA show. This class tests the true ability of the horse over fences. There must be at least four fences and they must jump eight fences total. Scores are based on time and penalty faults. Faults are assessed when horses refuse to jump, knock down poles, obstacles or causes an obstacle to fall.
Equitation Over Fences is a class for amateur and youth riders. This class tests the rider’s seat, hands and ability to control and show the horse over fences. There must be four obstacles and a minimum of six jumps. Jumping faults are not considered unless they are a result of the rider’s ability.
Pleasure Driving is often grouped with the English classes, as it is an English rail class that tests the horse’s ability to pull a two-wheeled cart and driver around the arena. The horse is exhibited at a walk, part gait (trot) and road gait. The horse must be willing, free, straight, have manners and a bright expression.
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Halter Halter evaluates the conformation of the Quarter Horse. Halter classes are divided by age and sex. Horses are shown with a leather halter and must travel to show lameness and quality of movement. Horses should be judged on their balance, structural correctness, breed and sex characteristics and degree of muscling. Balance is given the most consideration.
Showmanship at Halter is a class for youth and amateur exhibitors only. This class judges the ability of the exhibitor to show the horse. Judges evaluate grooming, fitting, and expertise of the exhibitor presenting the horse. Each exhibitor must perform a pattern designed by the judge. There is an emphasis placed on preciseness of the pattern and degree of confidence of the exhibitor.
Dressage Dressage is becoming increasing popular in the realm of Quarter Horses. Trainer Lynn Palm first showed us how successful Quarter Horses could be in the dressage arena and many riders are looking to compete in dressage events. To be eligible to receive credit for points earned in dressage competition, competitors must have a current AQHA and USDF membership. The horses must have properly updated ownership records with the AQHA. Those without updated AQHA records must have a licensed USDF number.
Approved events are held at existing USDF and Canadian Equestrian approved shows. Shows are judged US Equestrian judges or Canadian Equestrian Judges. AQHA uses a chart to transfer percentage scores to point values. Maximum point values are set for each level to encourage www.equineonline.com.au
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riders to advance to higher levels. AQHA keeps a database point values and year-end high-point awards will be established from a recognition program.
About the Author: Valerie Mellema resides in Amarillo, Texas with her husband, Troy, their Palomino Quarter Horse, Rio, and two dogs Cocoa and Blade. She has a degree in Equine Business & Industry from West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. She works full-time as a freelance writer and spends as much time at the barn as her hectic work schedule will allow.
Her love affair with horses began young when she would ride her mother’s horses as a child. She got her first pony when she was 5 and she has had a horse in a stable somewhere ever since. She has been lucky to ride some very good horses that have been able to teach her a lot about riding, training and natural equine behavior. It was only right to continue her education through Equine Business and to begin writing about the horses that she dearly loves.
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