As the photos illustrate, in 1940 when AQHA was formed, Foundation Quarter Horses were all a definite type commonly referred to as a ‘Bulldog’. In the beginning the halter horse, cow horse, and pleasure horse all looked the same and displayed the same breed characteristics. They not only looked alike ~ but they did it all ~ there were no specialty horses.
They were hardy, powerful, short horses with a great work ethic and the ability to perform many different duties. As wonderful as their athletic ability was – probably their most important attribute was the incredible legendary disposition