The American Quarter Horse is America’s Original Horsepower.
History of the Quarter Horse
The origins of the Quarter Horse can be traced to Colonial America, when our forefathers required ahorse sturdy enough to work all week, yet be fleet-of-foot for sprint races. The term “Quarter” refers to the distance, a quarter of a mile, most commonly run in Colonial racing, often on the main streets of small villages.
History found the Quarter Horse to be the right mount for cowboys and cattle drives, settling the American West. Today, you’ll find Quarter Horses excelling in rodeo and nearly every equine performance event.
History of AQHA
Since 1940, the American Quarter Horse Association has been paving a way for passionate horseman and horsewomen to come together in the name of the American Quarter horse for the breed’s preservation, celebration, and advancement.
AQHA Facts
Established March 1940 – Fort Worth
AQHA International Headquarters – Amarillo
Over 6 million registered horses
Over 230,000 members
Over 17,000 youth members
Our Mission
To record and preserve the pedigree of the American Quarter Horse, while maintaining its welfare and integrity and promoting lifelong enjoyment of the breed.
Our Vision
To be the global champion for the American Quarter Horse and the unmatched equine industry leader.
As the 2024 Nutrena AQHA and Adequan® Select World Championship Shows approach, AQHA continues its dedication to preserving the integrity of the American Quarter Horse.
Four AQHYA members earned a total of $5,000 in scholarships through the 2024 AQHA Ranching Heritage Young Horse Development Program, presented by SmartPak and John Deere.
