When Robert Denhardt formed AQHA in the early forties it was to preserve the bulldog type horse commonly referred to in those days as Steeldusts, or Bulldogs. These horses exhibited the unique traits of a low center of gravity (length of legs not exceeding the depth of the heart girth), exceptionally heavy muscling, powerful hindquarters, deep ‘V’ between the forelegs, good bone and foot, a quiet trainable disposition, and a high degree of intelligence and natural cow sense. These traits combined to set apart the “Bulldog” as a unique individual easily distinguished from other equine breeds

The modern American Quarter Horse may carry anywhere from 100% blood decended from those original Bulldog and Steeldust Quarter Horses, or as little as 10%. It is the goal and purpose of NFQHA to recognize modern American Quarter Horses that carry 80% and greater Original Quarter Horse Blood and exhibit the original breed characteristics. And to also encourage breeders to "Breed the Quarter Horse back into the Quarter Horse".

Many horse owners are interested in doing just that and desire to know how much actual Quarter Horse blood their horse carries in order to help plan their Quarter Horse breeding programs. Even those who know their horses will not qualify need to know what percentage Quarter Horse they need to breed to in order to increase the amount of Quarter Horse and for those offspring to qualify for NFQHA.

NFQHA has the very highest certification standards, and when a horse is certified as a National Foundation Quarter Horse, he has a bona fide claim to be called a "Foundation Quarter Horse". We are proud of our extensive research criteria, and of our accurate computer research program. Qualifying horses are eligible to compete in NFQHA approved events, and will receive a Foundation Certificate and a Blood Analysis Fact Sheet that shows all the Thoroughbred found in the pedigree and what percentage it contributed.