A little history about this wonderful versatile horse.
Steel Dust was the prototype of the so called "Bulldog" Quarter horse. A favourite of the American cowboy and rancher. This was a horse that would pull a plough, chase ranch cattle and was raced on a Sunday afternoon for a gallon of homebrew!
The temperament of this little horse is outstanding. His level headedness and muscled physique enabled him to turn a hoof to everything he encounters from day to day.
Steel Dust came to Texas in around 1845 and another great foundation horse at the time, Shiloh came about 5 years later. Shiloh sired a stud colt called Billy who was out of a Steel Dust mare. And hence Texas became the centre of the "Billy" or "Bulldog" type.
These small compact horses exhibited the unique traits:
low centre of gravity with the length of legs not exceeding the depth of the heart girth.
fabulous heavy muscled, powerful hindquarters and deep V between the forelegs.
good bone and foot.
very trainable disposition with a high degree of intelligence and natural cow sense.
The level headedness of this horse allowed it to remain calm and cool in any situation it found itself in. From racing and encountering a false start to being fired up to catch a cow and just as quickly return to its natural disposition, saving energy to complete a full days work.
This special hors has long endeared itself to many loyal fans, myself included. When all around horses seem to be getting bigger and bigger. The induction of Warmbloods with a dash of TB are too hot and big for the larger lady or even children to manage.
I am in heaven with these beautiful little horses never usually bigger than 15.1hh. They can carry a large man using a Western Saddle (weight 42lb) all day. You never again need to be overhorses.
The confirmation from these horses has enabled the forerunner of today's National Foundation Quarter horse to leave the starting line with amazing speed and agility. Confirmation to catch and turn a cow with little effort and staying sound to best.
In 1940 the American Quarter Horse Association was founded. As in all cases the need for faster quarter horses, the Quarter horse found itself being crossed with TB. The Quarter horse became lower, longer of leg. The temperament became highly strung and fragile of body. Sound familiar?
Luckily there were breeders pure in mind that valued the Quarter horse for its own intended original form. These dedicated breeders and owners carried on the legacy of the original 'Billy' to uphold the AQHA stated purpose of the Steel Dust Covenant.
The National Foundation Quarter Horses Association (NFQHA) has one aim. To showcase the working ability and versatility of this horse. Horses are shown in working condition. Natural tails and manes - no glitter or silver.
Only the horse is judged. Lumps, bumps, blemishes and scars are not penalized - these are working horses.
For more information on these outstanding horses visit Foundation Quarter Horses