Sorrel Quarter Horse
Since Sorrel is the most common color to the breed, Sorrel Quarter Horses are more widely spread than those of other colors. The American Quarter Horse Association accepts several coat colors, such as buckskin, grullo, palomino, bay, black, brown, dun, gray, red roan and blue roan. The Quarter Horse of today is but the most versatile equine breed in the world. The breed has made a huge contribution into the development of American nation.
The American Quarter Horse descended from the old Chickasaw Horse, which had been influenced by the Arab and the Barb genes. That old horse arrived in the New World with the Spanish Conquistadors in the 1500s. The genes of the Morgan, Standardbred and the English Thoroughbred were added in the 1800s. Breeders have long since noticed the horse’s exceptional intelligence and willingness to work, so they used the horse actively in farm work. Quarter Horses can assist in cattle driving in a very intelligent way, showing a remarkable ability to foretell the actions of the cattle. Sorrel Quarter Horses, as well as those of other colors, are still used effectively in ranch work.
High speed is another reason why people fell in for the horse, so they were used extensively in various speed racing contests, particularly in quarter-of-a-mile racing. American Quarter Horses have been bred in such a way as to withstand severe physical strains, with an emphasis on their racing talent. Despite the breed’s popularity, it was not before 1940 that the American Quarter Horse Association was formed and the breed received an official recognition. Today, there are lots of sites and other sources of information, which can be very helpful in studying the breed, its history and current status, and which can prompt you whether or not Sorrel Quarter Horses are most preferred and how valuable are those of other colors.
The American Quarter Horse of today is highly valued around the globe for its friendly disposition and infinite eagerness to work. These horses are not very big, averaging 12-14 hands high at the shoulder. They are outstandingly strong and muscular, but there are two types of the breed: the Stocky and the Racing type. The Stocky Quarter Horse is better suited for hard work, since he has a well developed muscular system. The Racing type has longer legs and leaner body structure, and he is intended for racing contests. A Sorrel Quarter Horse is equally common to both types.