In the late 1600s, colonists in Virginia and the Carolinas loved horse racing. The races took place on the main streets of small towns. Since most main streets were a quarter of a mile long, the horses were known as Quarter-Milers. Soon they were called Quarter Horses.

On his second voyage to America, Columbus brings Spanish horses to the New World. They are the only horses in American at this time.

To clear the forests and plow the land, Southern colonists need “horse” power. They use Spanish horses and imported other breeds.

English and Spanish horses in American have been cross-bred. Their offspring compete in quarter-mile races.

The American Revolution begins. Quarter Horses carry soldiers and haul supplies between colonies.

Pioneers are moving westward from the 13 original colonies. Quarter Horses pull the pioneers’ wagons for hundreds of miles.

Texas cowboys on Quarter Horses lead their cattle to faraway markets. On these “long drives,” Quarter Horses keep herds from straying.

Henry Ford begins to manufacture the Fordson tractor. Tractors, which can pull heavy machines, replace horses on many farms.

The American Quarter Horse Association begins to register (list) all Quarter Horses. Wimpy P1, the first horse listed, is a Texas champion.

There are 3,189.605 (2008 AQHA Annual Report) registered Quarter Horses world-wide. Some of them are legendary.