The American Quarter Horse; An Introduction to Selection, Care, and Enjoyment

by Steven D. Price; Foreword by Don Burt

• ISBN13: 9781592282722
• ISBN10: 1592282725
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2004-04-01
• Publisher: Lyons Press

Summary

Written with the full participation of the American Quarter Horse Association-the largest equine breed registry in the world-The American Quarter Horse is a fully illustrated manual for prospective and novice owners and riders. The American Quarter Horse is the world's most popular horse and America's oldest breed, with origins tracing back to the 1600s, along the eastern seaboard. Originally bred to fill colonists' passion for short-distance match racing, these heavily muscled, compact horses were perfectly suited to run faster than any other horse along narrow streets. As America moved west, so did the American Quarter Horse, and pioneers quickly learned of the horse's natural ability for herding cattle. This horse's willingness, intelligence, and disposition make him the ideal choice not only for first-time owners and recreational riders, but also for riders interested in all facets of Western, English, and racing competitions. As a show horse or trail horse, the American Quarter Horse is bound to please. Beginning with a brief history of the breed, this book offers detailed advice on locating and selecting a horse, as well as stabling, feeding, grooming, and otherwise taking responsible care of the animal. Also explained are the American Quarter Horse's many uses: from informal trial riding to barrel racing, cutting, and reining; from Western horsemanship to show jumping, dressage, and racing. The American Quarter Horse is the indispensable guide for anyone interested in owning and riding America's favorite horse.

Author Biography

Steven D. Price is the author of eighteen books on equestrian subjects, including The Horseman's Illustrated Dictionary, Essential Riding, The Quotable Horse Lover, and The American Quarter Horse. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Practical Horseman, and America's Horse. He lives in New York City and rides horses wherever he can.

Table of Contents

A Message from the American Quarter Horse Association	vii
Foreword	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
The American Quarter Horse and AQHA: A Brief History	1	(258)
Getting Started with Your American Quarter Horse
Horse Ownership: Preliminary Considerations	32	(6)
Stabling: Setting Up Your Facility	38	(10)
Selecting Your American Quarter Horse	48	(24)
Caring for Your American Quarter Horse
Nutrition and Feeding	72	(13)
Stall Maintenance	85	(3)
Grooming	88	(13)
Feet and Legs	101	(9)
Horse Clothing	110	(3)
Your Horse's Health and Other Veterinary Matters	113	(37)
Enjoying Your American Quarter Horse
Equine Behavior	150	(9)
Tack	159	(26)
Apparel	185	(11)
The ABCs of Trail Riding	196	(5)
Trailers: Hauling Your Horse	201	(4)
Competition	205	(39)
American Quarter Horse Racing	244	(15)
Appendix: A Guide to Buying Your American Quarter Horse	259	(20)
Glossary	279