quarter horse

American  

noun

1. one of a breed of strong horses developed in the U.S. for short-distance races, usually a quarter of a mile.

2. a horse of this breed used in herding livestock.

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quarter horse British  

noun

1. a small powerful breed of horse, originally bred for sprinting in quarter-mile races in Virginia in the late 18th century

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Etymology

Origin of quarter horse

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Danger, a chestnut quarter horse with a white blaze down his face and a deep copper coat, was born the same summer Hunter first wore an Auburn jersey.

From Los Angeles Times

Before leaving the quarter horse ranks, he won 739 races and saddled 24 world champions.

From Los Angeles Times

All were quarter horses, meaning they wouldn’t be racing at Santa Anita or Del Mar. The five who were euthanized Wednesday also were quarter horses.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s not gravity pulling him toward the finish line: It’s the brute force of a quarter horse named Sirius.

From Seattle Times

But it’s not gravity pulling him toward the finish line: It’s the brute force of a quarter horse named Sirius.

From Seattle Times