| Quarter Horses are a breed of horses that run | | | | horses. |
| extremely fast for short distances. Some horses have | | | | The rodeo was a contest with completion between |
| been clocked at the speed of 55 miles per hour. The | | | | cowboys and expanded to major events through the |
| horse is very popular in the United States today. | | | | world. Today the horse dominates the sport in speed |
| The horses are very valuable as working ranch horse, | | | | and in competition. |
| they are also known for racing, horse shows and | | | | Today the horses are known best for show horse, |
| rodeos. The horse is well known for speedy | | | | ranch horse, race horse, rodeo completion and all |
| maneuvers required for barrel racing, calf roping and | | | | around family horse. Quarter Horses also compete |
| other rodeo events. | | | | well in rodeo events like team roping, calf roping and |
| In the early years these horses were used for work | | | | barrel racing. |
| during the week and a race horse on weekends. The | | | | The modern Quarter Horse has a small, short, head |
| main duty of the ranch horse in the west was working | | | | with a straight profile, and a well muscled body, |
| cattle. Even after automobiles were invented, horses | | | | featuring a broad chest and rounded hindquarters. |
| were still used for handling livestock. Large ranches in | | | | They normally stand between 14 and 16 hands high |
| the Texas area had a large role in the development of | | | | (56 to 64 in/140 to 160 cm). |
| the modern Quarter Horse. The foundation of the | | | | The horses come in a variety of colors. The most |
| rodeo came by the skills of the ranch hands and their | | | | common is the sorrel, a brownish red. |