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| What is...? / Quarter Horses |
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From the Spanish Andalusian to the American Quarter
Horse
How the Spanish helped the Americans to one of the most versatile horses
in the world
When Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, this was also the
hour of birth of the American Quarter Horse. The first
Spanish horses, the Andalusian, arrived in America on
board the ships of the Conquistadores.
Many of these animals were released into the wild, escaped or were stolen
and over time, banded together in large, wild herds, the mustangs. The
Indians quickly recognised the advantages of these "holy dogs"
- as they used to call these horses - in battle and for work. Soon, the
horses became irreplaceable as war and working animals and as companions
for both Indians and the new settlers. Only with their help were they
able to survive on this huge, rough continent.
In the following centuries, the Spanish Andalusian and other cross-breeds
brought forth the American Quarter Horse. With 4.4 million
horses registered, this is now the largest and one of the most versatile
breeds in the world.
A tough, natural selection and the specific needs of the American cowboys
produced an extremely capable, fast, versatile, and yet calm working horse
- the American Quarter Horse. Only the best horses were
bred and used.
Over time, the original Spanish style of riding of the vaqueros (span.
cowboys) mixed with the style of the English and French immigrants. A
new style evolved, the "Californian style". The Spanish saddle
and bridle became the western saddle and the Californian bridle. Vaqueros
and rancheros turned into cowboys.
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