The American quarter horse descends from Spanish and English Thoroughbred horses used in the American colonies in the 16th century. These horses were crossed with other local breeds, including Mustangs and the Chickasaw horses.
Today, the Quarter horse is one of the most popular breeds of horse in the world. There are many different types of Quarter horses, each with its own particular characteristics but they are all known for their versatility and strength. They are also famous for their speed as they can reach up to 55 mph over short distances. The Quarter horse is a popular horse for sprinting races, rodeos, and cattle-raising.