A raça quarto de milha, sua origem e introdução aos esportes

Abstract

The Quarter Horse breed is known worldwide for its versatility, speed and aptitude for sports that require agility and explosiveness over short distances. Originating in the United States in the seventeenth century, the breed emerged from the cross between Spanish horses and English thoroughbreds, resulting in a compact, muscular and extremely fast animal. In Brazil, the consolidation of the breed was driven by the creation of the Brazilian Association of Quarter Horse Breeders (ABQM), in 1969, which standardized registrations, promoted genetic improvement and encouraged sports competitions. Currently, ABQM has more than 600 thousand registered animals and organizes prominent events, such as the National Championship. In addition to its morphological and behavioral characteristics, food and supplementation are crucial for the sports performance of the Quarter Horse. Balanced diets with quality roughage, specific concentrates and supplementation with vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids contribute to muscle recovery and metabolic support. In Brazil, the breed stands out in modalities such as three drums, vaquejada, lasso and reins, and the use of specific saddles for each sport is indispensable, optimizing comfort and performance. This study addresses the origin, evolution, characteristics and impact of the breed in the sports scenario, offering relevant information for breeders, trainers and competitors.