When the NFQHA Board of Advisors first met in 1995 to discuss how to define the National Foundation Quarter Horse they had the benefit of 55 years of Quarter Horse history to help guide them in their decisions. The Board relied heavily on this historical perspective in defining what a Foundation Quarter Horse is, and in structuring NFQHA’s Statement of Purpose, and Goals and Standards.
All Board members agreed that the unique characteristics which set the Foundation Quarter Horse apart from other equine breeds were: Versatility – Disposition – Athletic Ability and Agility – Sturdy Constitution – Sound Body with Good Bone & Foot – Natural Cow Sense – Blazing Burst of Early Speed – Intelligence – and a Willing, Trainable mind. In reviewing this list it was apparent that the National Foundation Quarter Horse should be defined by one word – VERSATILE, and that all his attributes should contribute to that versatility.
- Versatility – the National Foundation Quarter Horse should be above all things versatile. The Foundation Quarter Horse’s historical claim to fame was his incredible Versatility, which made him indispensable to his owner. He worked cows, plowed fields, pulled buggies and wagons, ran races, provided basic transportation, and has been an outstanding recreation and trail horse.
- Disposition – the National Foundation Quarter should be very quiet and willing, but not a ‘deadhead’. He knows that he needs to conserve his energy and does not waste it in unnecessary action by jigging, head tossing, and fighting with the rider. He has a big kind heart, and will willingly do anything asked of him by someone that he trusts. His great mind is not only the most endearing aspect of the Foundation Quarter Horse, but may also be the most important aspect of his Versatility. In order to withstand the stresses of being asked to perform a multitude of tasks he must have a quiet, willing attitude, and also be intelligent enough to understand what is being asked of him. Many super star specialty horses do not have this kind of mind, and can only do one thing well.
- Conformation – The National Foundation Quarter Horse should possess the Quarter Horse Conformation described by Robert Denhardt in 1940 – the Foundation Quarter Horse is a medium sized, balanced horse, heavily muscled, with sturdy bone and foot to support his weight, and carry heavy loads during long days of work. The length of leg does not exceed the depth of the heart-girth. The large eyes are set far apart on a short head with a large jaw, and the neck is of medium length and thickness in keeping with his heavily muscled frame. All parts of his conformation are geared to allowing a horse to work hard for long hours in rough terrain, and still have the lightning burst of speed necessary to catch a cow, and the agility required to turn that cow on a dime.
- Color – National Foundation Quarter Horses shall meet the 1995 AQHA standards for color and white markings.
Link to article “What Happened to the Bulldog” & Link to “History – 1st 27,000 article” with appropriate graphics