Quarter Horses

The first American breed of horse named after their excellence in quarter mile or less races. They are now commonly used in ranching for their agility giving them the ability to 'turn on a quarter' when herding cattle. Quarter horses are known for their short and small head as well as their strong, well-muscled hindquarters. They are usually 14 to 16 hands tall. (1 hand is equal to 4 inches.)