Heather Whipkey (Staff Writer)

The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) is a national club for the owners of registered quarter horses.  This association provides all kinds of different opportunities to the members like showing, scholarships, racing, trail rides, prize money, prizes, and a lot more.  The youth members can be in the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA), which has over 30,000 youth members from around the world.  The AQHYA promotes education, leadership, friendship, and competition centered around the Quarter Horse. 

          What exactly is a Quarter Horse? If you have ever seen a rodeo or a western on TV you have probably seen a quarter horse.  Quarter Horses are heavily muscled, compact horses that could run a short distance faster than any other horse.  In 1940 a registry was formed to preserve this great breed.  There are 16 recognized colors of the quarter horse.  Sorrel (brownish red), bay (brown with black mane and tail), black, brown, chestnut, dun, red dun, gray, grullo, palomino, red roan, blue roan, bay roan, perlino, and cremello. 

          There are many uses of the American Quarter Horse.  Some of these are barrel racing, racing, western pleasure, English pleasure, jumping, driving, trail riding, working cows, ranching, reining, pleasure, and so much more.  There are so many places all over the United States that lovers of the American Quarter Horse can get together to compete with their American Quarter Horses.  One can qualify for the World show held in Oklahoma City, which is the biggest accomplishment of all.  One of the biggest single breed shows in the world is also for the Quarter Horse, The All American Quarter Horse Congress, held in Columbus, Ohio.  This show is the toughest show and only the best of the best do well there. 

          The Quarter Horse gives many people many opportunities to succeed and do well in the horse world.  The quarter horse is one of or the best breed in the world!!!

          If you have any questions, visit the AQHA Website at www.aqha.com.