Work horse vs Show horse?

Question

Okay well the specific breed I'm talking about is the Quarter Horse. I'm sure just about everyone knows there are both Appendix, and Foundation Quarter Horse. However, there are also just plain Quarter Horses that fall inbetween.

I've noticed recently there is a great difference between the Working horse, and the Show horse. Most show Quarter Horses reach massive size by their 2nd year, while most working stock doesn't mature until past 5. Why is this? Are the bloodlines so different in Quarter Horses that, they could all together be considered different breed? I've seen so much variety from the Hancocks, to Impressive and inbetween. But when you get down to it, just what is the main difference between the show horse, and working stock?

I know a lot of people have told me show horses can't move very well because of how muscled they are, and after working with Reserve World Champions, I've found this to be somewhat true. Any opinions?

Answer 1

First of all there are many Quarter Horses that are bred to LOOK mature at 2 years old but they are no more mature than any other 2 year old.  It is a common misconception that size equals maturity.  Horses skeletal systems are not fully mature until a horse is 6 years old - no matter the breed period.  

People who show their horse want a certain look.  I prefer the working horse myself.  They haven't had the brains bred out of them and are more prized for their atheticism and smarts than their looks.  The reining cow horse is a wonder to watch.  

Those muscled up halter horses are no more attractive to me than those Arnold Swartzeneger type body builders with huge bulging muscles.  They can barely move, are not in the least graceful and are worthless when it comes to real work.

Gimme a working cow horse any day.

Answer 2

You are talking about the AQHA Halter horse, surprisingly......Tons Of Halter horses, ( to be judged on breed standard and conformation) , cannot ride and excel in Performance, it wows me too.

There is now a new halter devision for just the performance horse. I like this option they have just recently added to A rated circuit..

Now your appendix AQHA's conformation, was created to appeal to the HUS and English divisions. AQHA is now offering full AQHA registration papers to appendix horses that achieve a certain amount of points and recognition. The TB influence is for the better HUS and over fences competitor.

Now I feel the true performance AQHA falls into horses that are bred for your Western events, WP, trail, showmanship, reining, cutting, working cow horse, and the other end of the spectrum, gaming, team penning,barrels,poles ect. Now My feeling on the difference is that WP EP trail, pattern classes are Horses that have been tweaked in breeding to be a little taller, more lean, free flowing, flat kneed low-hocked slow legged movers. While your Working cow type horses were tweaked to be small, faster, low-set, tight turning, cow sense and natural abilities were present. Do i feel that they are all the same breed, well AQHA is the biggest horse registry in the world, an incredible number of horses designed to fit everyones needs

i believe the breed has been tweaked to fit a huge genre' of capabilities, but still believe the integrity of the true AQHA is still present. Not sure its going to be that way in 10 yrs with all the new rules. Thanks for such a terrific question.

Answer 3

I would prefer work horses for they are better usually but if you want a good looking horse why not choose a show horse?!

Answer 4

First I will answer the growth question even though most of the horses I deal with are fox trotter the same thing happens there.  Simply put the show horses are fed better and given LOTS of high protein feed.  My stud is 16 hands and is only 3.  His parents are both 14.3.  Yes he is really that much bigger than they are.  I am 5 foot nine inches and the top of his whithers comes up to the tip of my nose when I have cowboy boots on.

Second there is a genetic difference as well.  Show horses have Thoroughbred influence and even a little arabian.  This gives finer bones, longer legs, taller stance, higher whithers, and a 'prettier sleeker' look.  In part this was done for looks and in part because the quarter horses are once again being used for horse racing (The largest track being in Riodusio (sp?) NM).  

The new quarters are faster runners with lighter bones in the legs but that cames at the price of thinner legs, that don't hold up as well; higher center of gravity which makes quick turns harder; and a higher strung temperament.  Most show stock are also too inbred for me and many (in virtually all breeds with huge show followings) show genetic problems associated with it..

And yes the halter horses can be muscle bound.  That is when a judge should count off when seeing how they walk in.