180
181
American Quarter
Horse
Many horses were obtained by the Chickasaw American
a quarter mile (0.4 km), and were most often held between
Indians and taken north from Florida, where they were
only two horses. Often the races took place along town
traded extensively with early plantation settlers. These
streets, and betting quickly became a fixture of such
stout, muscular, and thrifty horses were known as
events. These short races required a horse capable of
Chickasaws and were noted for their quick turn of speed
catapulting into a flat gallop from a standing start, and the
over a short distance. The Chickasaw is today recognized
modern Quarter Horse, taking its name from the quarter-
as a breed in its own right but exists only in very small
mile races, is still renowned for its fast acceleration. They
numbers; the horses do, however, bear a striking
were also referred to as “short horses” because of the race
breeds; it has its roots in the Spanish stock brought over in
resemblance to the Quarter Horse and are widely believed
length and were particularly popular in Colonial areas
the sixteenth century, and in particular in horses bred in
to have been instrumental in its early foundation.
before the Revolutionary War (1775–83).
Historic – United States – Common
height
14.3–16 h.h.
appearance
A fine head, small, alert ears,
and a muscular neck of
medium length. Short through
the back with a long , rounded
croup and particularly
muscular thighs. Shoulder is
long and sloping and the chest
deep and wide.
color
Any of 17 recognized colors, of
which sorrel is the most common.
aptitude
Riding , working livestock,
racing , showing , jumping ,
Western riding horse sports
The Quarter Horse is one of America’s oldest horse
Florida. St. Augustine, the first European settlement there,
As these Chickasaw horses spread through the southern
By the mid-eighteenth century, a distinct type of horse had
was named by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés
states above Florida, a group of enthusiasts in Virginia
been firmly established, and although bred along different
(1519–74), who brought around a hundred horses with him
began importing English horses, particularly those of early
lines in different areas, the horses exhibited a similar robust
from Spain; these, along with subsequent imports, were
running stock. Seventeen English horses were imported for
and muscular conformation and a great turn of speed. An
used as foundation breeding stock. His horses are reputed
the first time in 1611, probably a mixture of the now-extinct
early influence on the developing breed was the English
the ubiquitous quarter horse is an iconic part of
to have come from the province of Cádiz, noted for its
Irish Hobby and lightning-quick Galloway, Connemara
Thoroughbred Janus (f. 1746, also known as Little Janus or
American history and culture. These horses and their early
superlative Spanish horses bred at Jerez de la Frontera, as
ponies, and small but fast English stock. These horses were
Flying Dick), who was imported to Virginia in 1752 by
ancestors transported the settlers westward, pulling
well as from the royal Spanish ranches on Hispaniola.
bred to Chickasaws and to the existing American/Spanish
Mordecai Booth, a plantation owner. Janus was a grandson of
stock, primarily to produce horses for racing.
the Godolphin Arabian, one of the three foundation sires of
wagons, working the land and livestock, and being ridden
The first ranches were established by Jesuit and
long distances, as well as being raced. The Quarter Horse
Franciscan friars who set up a series of missions across
is one of the most versatile and obliging of horse breeds,
which when combined with its intelligence and impressive
appearance, accounts for its enormous popularity.
Informal racing became popular in the United States
the Thoroughbred breed. He was a small, compact, sorrel
north and central Florida. The Friars implemented serious
almost as soon as the horses arrived. However, there were
horse who passed his speed over short distances on to his
livestock breeding programs, particularly for cattle and
few stretches of straight track suitable for racing, and the
progeny. He lived to the age of thirty-four and during his long
horses, both of which thrived on the vast grasslands there.
earliest races took place over a short stretch, not more than
life greatly influenced the development of running horses.
new world splendor