American Quarter Horses and Thoroughbred Horses are most commonly known as race horses. They achieved this reputation quite a long time ago. However, the racing environments for both these horses differ. Quarter Horses are more suitable for short sprints, a quarter of a mile distance range, and jumping. Whereas, Thoroughbred horses are ideal for long-distance racing. But this is not the only difference between the Quarter Horse vs the Thoroughbred. Many other differences are listed and elaborated on in the following sections. But first, let’s give you an overview of the two horse breeds.
Overview of the Quarter Horse
The Quarter Horse is a popular breed for short-distance running, jumping, and sprinting. They are known for quarter-mile races and this is why a Quarter Horse is called a Quarter Horse. Their history dates back to the 1600s; when English horses were imported to Virginia and bred with assorted native American horses, Quarter Horses came into existence. They are more muscular, with powerful legs and hindquarters, which provides them with sure-footedness even at higher speeds. They have a calm disposition and are particularly favored as ranch horses.
Overview of the Thoroughbreds
What are Thoroughbreds?
Well, Thoroughbreds are the breed of horses that came into being in the 17th to 18th century England, when native mares were bred with oriental stallions of Arabian, Bard, and Turkomen breeding. The term thoroughbred is sometimes used to define purebred horses, but it is an incorrect use of the term. Thoroughbreds are a specific breed of horses, which is known for their endurance. They can easily run up to three miles. They have slim bodies, broad chests, and short backs. Their short leg bones contribute to their long, and easy strides. The characteristics of Thoroughbred Horses are compared in detail with that of Quarter Horses.
Quarter Horses vs Thoroughbreds: Comparison
Now that you have a basic understanding of both breeds. Let us delve deeper into the differences that Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds have among them.
Difference in Appearance
Quarter Horses are stockier, more well-muscled, and short-headed with powerful backs and hindquarters. Whereas, Thoroughbreds are taller, leaner, finer-boned with longer necks, and athletic. Quarter Horses are shorter but just as heavy or heavier than Thoroughbred. Both breeds share common colors when it comes to their coats, like chestnut (sorrel), black, bay, roan, brown, etc.
Difference in Size
The average weight of a racehorse is between 900 to 2000 pounds. Quarter Horses are smaller than Thoroughbreds. A Quarter Horse size ranges from 55 inches to 65 inches in terms of height and weight ranges around 1100-1300 pounds. Whereas, a Thoroughbred size ranges from 60 inches to 68 inches in height and weighs around 800 pounds to 1200 pounds.
Difference in Speed
Due to their height, Thoroughbreds are considered faster runners. But that is not exactly true. There is a difference between a quarter horse and a Thoroughbred when it comes to speed. Quarter Horses can run at the top speed of 55mph, whereas Thoroughbreds have been recorded at the top speed of 40 mph. But Quarter Horses are effective only for shorter ranges because they run at the same speed. So, if they start slow in a race, they cannot pick up their pace and will lose the race. They can maintain their top speed only for shorter ranges.
Whereas, Thoroughbreds can pick their pace even after starting slow. So, their endurance comes in handy for winning the races.
Difference in Personality
This is a major difference between a Quarter Horse and a Thoroughbred.
Quarter Horses have a lovely personality. They are calm, mellow, and loving. Quarter Horses are perfect for children, beginners, and families. They are also really good at doing ranch work and managing the cattle. Thoroughbreds, on the other hand, are known for their feisty personality. They are unruly and are considered hot-blooded. They are bold, intelligent, and spirited. Only professional trainers are properly equipped to channel Thoroughbred’s energy in the required manner.
Difference in Training
Due to their feisty personality, Thoroughbreds are incredibly hard to train. Any beginner is recommended to not start with training a Thoroughbred. An incredible amount of confidence is required while training this breed, which only professional trainers with years of experience can demonstrate. With the right trainers, Thoroughbreds can easily pick up clues and be trained.
Quarter Horses are known for their mellow behavior. That is why they are considered one of the best horses to train for beginners in training. But that does not mean that professionals do not like to train this breed. Because of their intelligence, and loving nature, quarter horses are preferred by professionals and beginners alike when it comes to training.
Difference in Lifespan
Thoroughbreds have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years. They are domesticated animals and live in captivity all through their lives. As a result, they are very well cared for, which means they are a big investment. That is why Thoroughbreds are one of the most expensive breeds of horses in the world.
Quarter Horses, on the other hand, live somewhere between 25 years to 35 years. They are also born and bred in captivity and have a healthy lifestyle.
Difference in Exercising
Quarter Horses are really different than Thoroughbreds when it comes to exercising. Quarter Horses stay properly stimulated by grazing in pastures. Whereas, Thoroughbreds require more stimulation than that. They need more exercise to channel their energy in a proper and healthy way. They are regularly trained for endurance. They are made to trot at slow speeds for longer distances.
Difference in Breed Origin
Thoroughbreds came from native English mares being bred with imported Oriental stallions of Arab, Bard, and Turkomen breeds. Whereas, Quarter Horses came into existence when native American mares of Spanish origin were bred with imported Thoroughbreds. So, both horse breeds share their ancestry.
Conclusion
Due to their shared ancestry, both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds can appear the same to amateurs, but there are a number of differences between them as illustrated above. However, both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds are beloved breeds of horses all around the world. They are beautiful and intelligent creatures and are really large and fast. They have their distinct places in the world of showings, races, and other events. But with changing times, both breeds are evolving as Quarter Horses are increasingly exported to different parts of the world and Thoroughbreds are being bred for distance running rather than sprinting.
FAQs
Q1. How can you tell if a horse is a Quarter Horse?
Ans. Quarter Horses are stocky and well-muscled. In comparison to other breeds of horses, they would appear to be stronger but will have shorter heights. They have small heads, broad chests, and powerful hindquarters.
Q2. Can a Quarter Horse beat a Thoroughbred in a quarter-mile race?
Ans. Yes. A Quarter Horse specializes in quarter-mile races. Their top speed is recorded up to 55 mph. Whereas, Thoroughbreds have been recorded with a top speed of 45 mph, which they can endure really well for longer distances. But in shorter distances, such as a quarter mile, their speed is substantially less than a Quarter Horse.
Q3. Do Quarter Horses have Thoroughbred blood in them?
Ans. Yes. In the 1600s, in the American colonies of Britishers, Thoroughbred horses were bred with native American mares. As a result, horses of shorter stature but well-built muscles and calmer dispositions were born and they were called Quarter Horses.
Q4. Why do they call them Quarter Horses?
Ans. These horses were used for managing ranches during the week and entering into quarter-mile races and other short-distance sprints over the weekend for entertainment purposes. This is how Quarter Horses got their name.
Q5. Who is faster, Thoroughbreds or Quarter Horses?
Ans. This question does not have a straight answer. In theory, Quarter Horses are faster than Thoroughbred Horses as Quarter Horses have a top speed of 55 mph and Thoroughbreds have a top speed of 45 mph. But, Thoroughbreds can maintain this speed for longer distances, up to three miles, whereas, Quarter Horses can only maintain their speed for, well, a quarter mile or shorter distance ranges.
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