The Appendix Quarter Horse is a first-generation cross between a Thoroughbred and an American Quarter Horse (or between a registered and an Appendix American Quarter Horse). The Appendix registry was founded in Texas in 1949 when the American Quarter Racing and National Quarter Horse Breeders associations merged. Breeders saw this as an opportunity to produce larger, faster, and more refined horses.
Horses listed in the appendix may compete, but their offspring are not eligible for full AQHA registration unless the horse listed in the appendix meets strict conformation criteria and is successfully competed at shows or races, thereby earning its way into the enduring stud book.
As Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred crosses continue to be registered in the official American Quarter Horse breed registry, there is a continuous flow of genes from the Thoroughbred breed into the American Quarter Horse breed, which has altered many of the characteristics that characterized the breed in its early years of formation. Some breeders argue that the continued introduction of Thoroughbred lines is beginning to compromise the integrity of the breed standard and favor the earlier style of horse, and have therefore formed several separate organizations to promote and register “Foundation” Quarter Horses.
CLIX Photo
Characteristics
Because the Appendix horse is a cross between a Thoroughbred and a Quarter Horse, characteristics of both breeds are present to varying degrees. Stock horses tend to be a little smaller and more compact, with greater muscle mass, but are still agile. Racehorses are larger and leaner, with smoother musculature.
Appendix horses are 1.5 to 1.7 meters statuesque and come in a variety of colors, including chestnut, palomino, black, brown, gray, chestnut, dun, buckskin and roan.
These animals have a similar personality and versatility to the Quarter Horse, are usually even-tempered, sociable, and generally uncomplicated to care for. Any competitive spirit can usually be channeled into their work, especially in speed sports such as racing or playing.
Application
As all-around, multi-purpose horses, Appendix QHs can be used as show horses, pleasure horses, racehorses, and as working horses for livestock.
For more information:
American Appendix Horse Association Inc.
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