Definition

Noun: 1. A small, powerful horse breed: A quarter horse is a specific breed of horse known for its muscular build, low center of gravity, and exceptional speed over short distances. It was originally developed in the United States, particularly in Virginia, for sprinting in races approximately a quarter of a mile in length.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The rancher preferred using a quarter horse for herding cattle because of its agility and quick bursts of speed.
  • Quarter horses are renowned for their "cow sense," making them ideal for western riding disciplines.
  • In the show ring, the quarter horse was judged on its conformation, movement, and calm demeanor.

Advanced Usage

• As a proper noun: When referring to the official breed, "Quarter Horse" is often capitalized.
  • The American Quarter Horse Association is the largest breed registry in the world.

Variants and Related Words

• Stock horse: A general term for a horse used for working with livestock, a category which strongly includes the quarter horse.
• American Quarter Horse: The full, formal name of the breed.

Synonyms

• Stock horse (in the context of ranch work)
• Sprint horse (in the historical context of short-distance racing)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Built like a quarter horse": Used to describe a person or animal that is short, muscular, and powerful.
  • The fullback was built like a quarter horse, low to the ground and incredibly strong.

Noun

1. a small powerful horse originally bred for sprinting in quarter-mile races in Virginia