Where does the quarter horse come from?

The history of the Quarter horse: In 1604, the first pilgrims brought what many people believe to be the early stock for Thoroughbreds (Arabian and Spanish based stock) to the Virginia settlements. An interest in horse racing rose among the settlers and they found out that the new horse breed were the chosen mount. At only 14 hands, they weren't as tall but fast, capable of racing the quarter mile tracks. Some historians believe that more Spanish and Irish part breeds (known today as Irish Hunters) added height. The result was a taller animal (14.2-16hh) that was capable of working on small farms, being a sure-footed trail mount and a fast horse.

Today's horse is 14-16 hh and can be any color but most commonly bay and chestnut. They are an all-purpose horse that competes in western events, trail riding and for appendix quarter horses, steeple-chasing and racing the quarter mile.