GET TO KNOW ... Quarter Horses

The full-size horse is America’s most popular breed and gets its name from its ability to run the quarter mile faster than any other horse in the world. Other facts include:

The horses can be found around the world in backyards and show arenas, and on racetracks, bridle trails, rodeo circuits and ranches.

The horses’ roots can be traced to Arab, Turk and Barb breeds brought to North America by Spanish explorers and traders. The first horses brought to North America arrived in 1611.

There are more than 53,000 Quarter Horses registered in Ohio alone by the Ohio Quarter Horse Association.

The American Quarter Horse helped settle the west, pulling farm wagons and plows, fighting in battles with Native Americans and helping in day-to-day activities in colonial life.

They have been clocked at 55 mph.

Quarter Horses are considered good jumpers, have easy demeanors and are also used for trail riding and mounted police units.