Remember the ORIGINS Respect the Speed Part One By Merrie Elliott

The most far-sighted Australian horseman could not have imagined the changes heralded by the arrival of the first Quarter Horses to these shores in 1954. Although seven years elapsed before a second shipment, the trickle of Quarter Horses into this country soon became a flood and the Australian horse industry was reshaped forever. Regarded at first with scepticism by many, but immediately taken to the hearts of others, these equine immigrants steadily gained acceptance in their new country through their ath- letic ability and unique disposition.

Lloyd Jinkens riding a son of The Old Sorrell - Hired Hand who was the foundation sire of King Ranch (Texas) and also the sire of the first Quarter Horses to come to our shores, Vaquero and Jackaroo. (pic right) Photo courtesy of “The King Ranch Quarter Horses” written by Robert Denhardt Flashback Images presents the past in photographs

Now available: Early Quarter Horse Industry photos by Pete-Anne Tenney 1967-1983 For information contact: Susan Carlson, 1374 Harvey Siding Rd, Harvey Siding, Qld 4570. phone: 07 5483 1885 or 0437 494 668 Now, in the opening decade of the 21st century somehow involved with and was wherever horses gather for competition there is a cowpony. There is, however, a widespread every chance that a casual observer will find a lack of awareness of the various influences that pair of steadfast Quarter Horse eyes peering at came together to create the greatest all round him from a broad face topped by two small and ‘using’ horse that the world has ever seen. busy ears. An astonishing number of Austral- Melville H. Haskell was a racehorse man and ians have developed their very lifestyle around breeder from Arizona. He was a key player in this remarkable horse and newcomers are mak- the formation of the ing his acquaintance at an increasing rate. Association in 1940, and was there when it was Given these facts, as well as recognising the all happening. His concise and comprehensive changing face of the Quarter Horse industry, it explanation of the development of the Quarter is timely to reflect on the historical development Horse from 1607 when the English settled in of this breed. Jamestown, Virginia until the formation of the When enquiries are made about his origins, AQHA in 1940 can hardly be improved upon. Water Lilly foaled in 1920 is carried in the registery as flawed answers are frequently given, creating The following extract is taken from an article sired by Yellow Jacket and out of a Waggoner . Water Lilly was one of the most valuable ever confusion and misconception. It is generally he wrote which appeared in the QUARTER HORSE BREEDER (edited and published by purchased by the King Ranch. When bred to The Old understood that the Quarter Horse was around Sorrell she produced Hired Hand. M.H. Lindeman 1959). during pioneer times in USA, that he pulled Photo courtesy of “The King Ranch Quarter Horses” written by Robert Denhardt ploughs, took families to church, raced, was King Ranch Broodmares Earliest Quarter Horses to come to Australia

Jackaroo Photo courtesy of Pete-Anne Tenney

Vaquero Photo courtesy of Pete-Anne Tenney

Mescal Photo courtesy of Pete-Anne Tenney Photo courtesy of a Time - Life book “The Cowboys” ’First settlers found a land of dense forests to produce winners. His ancestors were horses along the eastern seaboard – impassable that got the job done, no matter what their pedi- AQHA except on narrow footpaths. The horses they gree, so that we see combined the blood of the brought with them were used to help farm the “Spanish” horses from the early settlements of clearings laboriously chopped out of the woods. the southeast, the “Galloway” from England and Travel and transportation was on horseback and many other strains. Later on when English rac- by pack horse. However, many of the plantation ers of “” blood were brought over, owners – particularly in Rhode Island, Maryland, they were used to increase the size and speed hall Virginia and the Carolinas – brought with them of the stocky native ponies. the love of acquired in England. Most notable of the English horses of this period Since they had no place to run long races, they was Janus – not registered in the English Book, ‘matched’ their saddle ponies on the only tracks but said to be a grandson of the Godolphin available – usually down the village streets at Arabian, who did so much to establish the Thor- distances of a quarter mile or less. oughbred in England. Janus was imported to The first horses used for racing were the saddle Virginia in 1752, 7 and the speed and confor- ponies of the farmers and plantation owners, but mation of his many sons and daughters – who fame as interest grew and competition became keen, spread out through the Colonies – began to of the fastest mares were bred to the local champi- give the Quarter Horse the characteristics of a ~1997 ~ ons (even as is done today), and the “Quarter of distinct breed. a mile Running Horse” began to take shape. The English Thoroughbred was not established • Vaquero Q-1 The “Quarter Horse” – to use the abbrevia- as a breed until about the middle of the 18th tion which has come to designate the heavily century (WITH THE FIRST STUDBOOK PUB- • Gregory Lougher muscled sprinter – did not start out as a breed. LISHED 1791) Shortly, thereafter, Thorough- • King Ranch Australia Pty Ltd He is the result of breeding speed to speed for bred horses began to appear in America, and many generations, and his conformation and as more and more land was cleared, it became ~ 1998 ~ ability are due to selection and mating designed possible to run races on circular courses at • Ian Francis • Max McTaggart • Quarter Elgrando R1-167 • Jet Boom Q-467 • Beggar Bingo Q-315 ~1999 ~ • Peter Baillieu • Dell Mingo Q-118 • Jubal R1-6213 • Kay Hill King (Imp) Q-330 • Garry McPhee • Radoo R1-5699 • Morn Deck Q-2160 • Hamish MacCallum • Docs Spinifex Q-5015 ~ 2000 ~ • Chilla Seeney • Hugh Sawrey • Lionel & Heather Richardson • Docs Freckles Oak Q-14053 • Linden Super Star R2-1528 ~ 2001 ~ • Jack Reilly • Robert Baldwin ~ 2003 ~ • Chickeramic Q-337 ~ 2004 ~ • Jack Cooper ~ 2005 ~ • Martin Lemann • Winderadeen Peppycose Q-17365 In 1896 the Jockey Club adopted Bruce and made his book official. The US States

Michigan

Ohio

Illinois Maryland

Colorado Virginia

Kansas Missouri California Kentucky North Carolina Tennessee South Oklahoma Arizona Arkansas Carolina New Mexico

KEy Texas It was in these states along the Atlantic seaboard that the very beginnings of the Celebrated Florida Quarter Mile Running Horse emerged. The most important breeding states were the Carolinas, Virginia and Maryland. “The closing years of the eighteenth century, then, marked the end of the period in which the best Quarter Horses were raised along the Atlantic Seaboard. Now Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri and Illinois replace Virginia and the Carolinas as the principal breeding centers for the short-horse.” (Robert Denhardt “Quarter Horses – a story of two centuries” P15)

“Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan are By the middle of the 19th cen- “By 1900 the Quarter Horse Florida Peninsula – where de- important because it was from these states that tury Quarter Horses had moved had spread into New scendants of Spanish Horses the Quarter Horse found its way into Arkansas, further west into Texas, Kansas, Mexico, Arizona and were running wild at the time Missouri and Illinois” (Denhardt, as above P19). Oklahoma and Louisiana. California” Melville Haskell. of English settlement in 1607. longer distances in the English tradition. The ity kept alive by the fact that he was an “all ing of speed – and the racing blood proved to importation of Fearnaught, who contributed size purpose” horse who could earn his keep and, at be just what was needed to produce top ‘’cow and stamina to the American race horse started the same time, provide sport in matched races horses’ when crossed with the mustangs that the trend toward ‘distance racing’ and the de- where no facilities existed for the running of long had come up from the Spanish horses imported cline of ‘short racing’ on the eastern seaboard. races. He moved into Tennessee, Kentucky, into Mexico. At last the Quarter Horse found his By the year 1800 the distance race was firmly Ohio and Michigan and continued to improve permanent place in the sun as a peer of saddle established and the Quarter Horse began to in speed and quality as fanciers kept breed- breeds and one unequalled in the handling move westward with the new frontier. However, ing speed to speed in an effort to outrun their of the vast herds of cattle that constituted the the Thoroughbred made a notable contribution neighbours. principal industry of the west. The fact that he to the Quarter Horses of this period through the When the pioneers moved still farther west, could do his work without, in any way, detract- blood of Sir Archy, the greatest race horse of his they took their good Quarter Horses into Illinois, ing from his ability as a race horse endeared time. Many of the outstanding Quarter Horse Missouri and Arkansas – then on to Kansas, him to his owner and stimulated his continued sires of the 19th century – and a few of the 20th Oklahoma and Texas. Here the ‘short horse’ improvement as a type if not as an actual breed. century- are traced to him. Often his bloodlines finally came into his own. On the plains of the This is the period that produced the legendary appear several times in the pedigree of both sire Great American Desert it was a simple matter to Steel Dust and Shiloh, as well as many others and dam. level a couple of parallel paths for the match- of slightly lesser fame. The American Thoroughbred was not recog- nized as a breed until well into the 19th century – three quarters of a century after the English Stud book was started. Basis for the breed was, of course, the imported English horse but many horses were accepted into the early American Thoroughbred stud books through the mating of English Thor- oughbreds to native American racemares, or daughters of American race horses. Obviously, because of the type of racing that developed them, many of these were Quarter Horses. This was acknowledged in the first American Thor- oughbred stud books by the use of the following abbreviations after their names: C.A.Q.R.H. (Celebrated American Quarter Running Horse) or .F.A.Q.R.H. Famous American Quarter Run- ning Horse). (THE FIRST AMERICAN THOR- OUGHBRED STUDBOOK WAS PUBLISHED Queenie. This World Champion of 1945-46 is shown winning over Pokey at Eagle Pass in 1944. The game spirit of this crip- 1896) pled mare brought love and admiration from all who saw her run. The great Flying Bob daughter ran many a memorable race During the 19th century the Quarter Horse and produced many outstanding foals before she became part of Art Pollard’s broodmare band at the age of 21. She never followed the western migration – his popular- produced another foal, but she lived out the remainder of her life in comfort at Pollard’s Ranch. (Walt Wiggins Collection). Old Joe Reed son of Joe Peter McCue. Photo courtesy of “The Complete Blair and Della Moore. Book of the Quarter Horse” by Photo courtesy of “The Complete Nelson Nye 1963 Book of the Quarter Horse” by Nelson Nye 1963

Traveler Photo courtesy of “The Complete Book of the Quarter Horse” by Nelson Nye 1963

My Texas Dandy sire of Clabber, Colonel Oklahoma Star Clyde and other fast Quarter Horses.

Photo courtesy Photo courtesy of “The Com- of “The Complete plete Book of Book of the Quarter the Quarter Horse” by Nelson Horse” by Nel- Nye 1963 son Nye 1963

Great Stuff Q-22550 Winning Deck Q-41384

1986 Bay 1998 Light Bay Stallion Moon Deck Top Deck TB Top Moon AAA Three Ohs Jet Deck AAAT Dam: Femme Fatale (Imp) Caseys Fancy (Imp) Three Ohs Jet (Imp) Miss Night Bar Vandy Hy Dancer Miss Jet Deck 3

Photos: Osprey Photography - www.ospreyphotgraphy.com Sire: Jet Master (Imp) Topaz Duchess Sire: Deck The Halls Dam: Bolette Leo Topaz Girl Bar Deck Mr Meyers Miss Mambo AAA Shesa Deck (Imp) Heishe (Imp) Joe Hancock mare Maneetas Niner Squaw Ann (by Vandy)

Enquiries Welcome • Progeny for Sale BJ and Merrie Elliott - Booborowie, SA 5417. Phone (08) 8893 2244 Email: [email protected] Longhornes cross the Red River on a drive from San Antonio, Texas to Dodge City, Kansas. Photo courtesy “Cowboys” written by Royal B Hassrick, Octopus Books, First Published 1974.

By 1900 the Quarter Horse had spread into New business all over the country. It was time for the Mexico, Arizona and California and the stage was Quarter Horse to make his bid for everlasting fame set for the final development of the breed. He had and take his rightful place, not only in the economy earned a permanent place in the economy of the of the nation, but in its play time as well. west (motorized transportation can never take his The first step in the perpetuation of the Quar- place in hazing half wild cattle out the rugged moun- ter Horse, as a distinct breed, was the forma- tains, mesquite thickets and cedar breaks), and he tion in 1940 of the American Quarter Horse still provided sport for the ranchers when ‘matched’ Association.”..(end of Haskell) at round-ups, county fairs, rodeos and fiestas. The early part of the 20th century produced the A famous match race between two legendary mare Woven Web and Barbra B 1947. (below) great short racers Peter McCue, Traveler , Oklaho- ma Star, Joe Reed and My Texas Dandy – horses who were to have a profound influence on the Quarter Running Horses of today (1956) AS WELL AS ON THE PERFORMANCE HORSES. With the exception of Travller, whose breeding is unknown, all these horses were half Thoroughbred or better. During the 1920s and 1930s the automobile and tractor began to replace the horse for many pur- poses and , except for sport, went into a decline caused by overproduction and low prices. Even the ranchers began to lose interest in improving their stock since they could buy usable horses of fair quality so much cheaper than they could produce good ones. There were no new frontiers left to conquer. At about this time the people of America, hav- ing pioneered and settled the land and made it productive, found themselves with leisure time on their hands and began to turn to sport to occupy it. Thoroughbred racing was growing in popularity very rapidly and was being made respectable by proper organization and regulation – the sport of rodeo was spreading throughout the west – and just plain pleasure riding was becoming a factor in the horse Photo courtesy “Cowboys” written by Royal B Hassrick, Octopus Books, First Published 1974.

1620 – 20 saddle type mares, mostly of the Gal- 1793 – Weatherbys issued Volume One of the loway strain, arrived from England. To General Stud Book and from this point the south of the English settlements feral the English racing horse is considered a descendants of escaped Spanish horses definite breed – the Thoroughbred. were inhabiting the Florida peninsula 1800 – onwards. By the year 1800 short racing while horses of Spanish descent were had declined in the eastern states but being bred by several Indian tribes. the adaptable quarter milers had already These sources provided additional begun to move westward with the horses for the settlers. pioneers into the new states of Tennes- 1630 – Horseracing, the major sport in the see, Ohio, Kentucky and Michigan. They , World Champion Quarter Running Horse. A colonies from the early days of settle- continued to be bred for speed as well very tough race horse who had 26 starts and won 22 ment, was legalised in Virginia. From as undertaking whatever chores pioneer of them as a 2yo. His bloodlines are well represented life demanded of them. The frontier con- in Australia. Painting by Orren Mixer. necessity the colonists raced whatever horses were available but speed soon tinued to expand and the settlers moved The development of the modern Quarter Horse began to be bred to speed to produce a even further out, their quarter milers with is a wonderful saga. He journeyed from his ‘short horse’ for matching on the quarter them. colonial beginnings, through many generations mile paths of the time. The Celebrated Toward the latter part of the 19th century as a Celebrated Quarter Mile Running Horse American Quarter Mile Running Horse the westward migration reached the vast and a pioneers’ utility horse. Then around the (C.A.Q.R.H.) began to take shape. open lands of Kansas, Oklahoma and turn of the 20th century he began to assume the Texas. Speed remained of paramount mantle of being the greatest of cowhorse and 1752 – Janus imported from England and with importance in the quarter horse but here, progressed toward the horse we have to day. the widespread use of his blood the in the closing years of the19th century short sprinter began to develop a distinct This story is covered in the briefest form here. the sprinter really expanded his resume, type. In their ongoing search for speed, The great historians of the breed (Robert for the process began that would even- breeders used English horses, others of Denhardt in particular) have documented this so tually see him become the greatest of Spanish extraction and their own proven well, and their books are readily available for all cowhorses. The cattle of the south west speedsters. If it was fast, they bred to read. Not everyone takes the opportunity to were not ponderous mountains of beef from it. The unique conformation and study this subject, so here is a quick reference which were handled in corrals. They steady disposition that were by-products of how it happened – were longhorns, generally with a feral of this program allowed these horses to 1519 – Cortez invaded Mexico. The Spanish outlook on life, fleet of foot, athletic and continue in their time honoured role as a smart. The work was all done on the horses that accompanied him were the general using animal. first to set foot on the American conti- open range and the situation called for nent. Others soon followed. Over time 1761 - The distance horse FEARNAUGHT im- fast, sharp minded horses who could some of these escaped and bred up ported from England. His progeny were hold together under pressure. in the wild, while others were variously stayers and this, together with the fact 1896 - The American Thoroughbred Stud Book acquired by Indian tribes. that land was now available for circular established. Many Quarter Horses were racetracks, saw four mile racing begin to 1607 – Jamestown founded by the English in initially included, their presence indicated supplant the quarter mile sprints in popu- Virginia but there were no significant ar- by the letters CAQRH after their names. larity along the eastern seaboard. rivals of horses from England until 1620 This notation was later dropped but the horses remained. A comment on this fact is made by Roger Longrigg in his com- prehensive book “The History of Horse Racing”. He wrote “the Quarterhorse is one of the ingredients which gives the American thoroughbred an ancestry un- like any other in the world” 1900 - onwards. The Quarter miler had now spread into Arizona, New Mexico and California. This is the era of many great racing , the blood of whom was to have a profound effect on all branches of the developing Quarter Horse breed. 1940 - The American Quarter Horse Association was founded and the Quarter Horse, as a recognised breed, was under way. 1954 - The first Quarter Horses arrived in Aus- tralia – just 14 years after birth of the American Quarter Horse Association. Texas Jr 1944 colt by My Texas in proven speed. Outcrosses of the future will Dandy. Top 3yo race horse be found among the ranks of the running horses. owned by The Gill Cattle Astute breeders with a true understanding of the Company of Tucsan, Arizona. source of the Quarter Horses’ uniqueness are Photo courtesy of Quarter Running already casting a watchful eye in this direction. Horse 1947 supplement. As the Quarter Horse breed approaches its fifth century breeders need to be mindful of his origins and ponder the forces that shaped him. The necessity of maintaining the time honoured bal- ance of speed, durable conformation, disposition and smarts in the breed cannot be overestimated. A genetic pool, broad and deep, of fundamental qualities from which breeders can replenish those eroded by fashion or specialisation will ensure that the Quarter Horse forges into the future as powerfully as he emerged from the past. Strive to keep the catfooted agility and sharp intelligence, the steady disposition and easy way of going - the power, the style of this horse. Remember the ORIGINS - Respect the Speed

So there it is –we are heirs to the efforts of past generations. Their desire to have the fastest horse for a short distance brought about the creation of the Quarter Horse. Pure speed, untempered by a mentality cool enough to handle it, or lacking the conformation strong enough to support it, was of no advantage to the practical pioneer. His fast horses needed to be useful in so many other ways that disposition and sound- ness were also(always) of the utmost importance. This traditional combination of speed, durability and co-operative intelligence gave the Quarter Horse the ‘inbuilt’ versatility that enabled him survive more than 300 tumultuous years without the assistance of a stud book. The Quarter Horse industry has changed so much that speed is no longer a primary consid- eration for many owners. Notion of speed in the Quarter Horse is even sometimes openly Go Man Go World Champion scorned! running horse 1955, 1956 and Recognize that speed remains an essential com- 1957. Set six World Records ponent of the breed and is a must if the Quarter over different distances. An Horse is to continue as a truly versatile animal. exceptional race horse whos The great performance and show bloodlines of bloodline is well represented in Australia. Retired sound after 47 today, with few exceptions, have their foundations starts. Photo by Jack Strivling.