HOME
INTRO
SYMBOLS
ALMANAC
ECONOMY
GEOGRAPHY
STATE MAPS
PEOPLE
FORUM
NEWS
COOL SCHOOLS
STATE QUIZ
STATE LINKS
BOOK STORE
MARKETPLACE
NETSTATE.STORE
NETSTATE.MALL
GUESTBOOK
CONTACT US
Dbl click any word in
document for definition.
Texas State Horse
Texas State Horse: American Quarter Horse
Photographs, prints, posters
All it took was a persistent 10-year old and almost like magic, Texas had an official state horse.
Like so many before her, Logan Head was studying Texas history, when she noticed that Texas was without an official state horse. Logan, a member of the American Quarter Horse Youth Association, loved horses.
"Well, I was really, really into horses and we were studying Texas state history and I noticed there was no state horse," said Logan. "So, I asked if we could get one, so we e-mailed (State Representative) Larry Phillips and that's when all this started."
(Pompa)
Texas State Represenative Larry Philips introduced House Concurrent Resolution No. 53 on February 18, 2009.
H.C.R. NO, 53
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The history and culture of Texas have been greatly influenced by the celebrated era of cowboys and cattle drives and by the ranching industry, which continues to be an important component of the Texas economy to this day; the significance of these elements to the state's identity is reflected in a number of the official symbols that have been recognized by the Texas Legislature, including the designation of the longhorn as the state large animal and rodeo as the state sport; and
WHEREAS, Perhaps the most iconic symbol of western lore is the horse, and one breed in particular, the American quarter horse, has played a central role in the story of the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, This versatile animal likely arrived in Texas soon after the region was opened to colonization in the 1820s, helping to transform the unsettled wilderness into a productive land of farms and small towns; quarter horses also proved invaluable to such legendary figures as Sam Houston, whose mount Copper Bottom was a member of the breed; and
WHEREAS, The America quarter horse first caught the attention of many during the cattle drives of the late 1800s; strong, smart, fast, and tough, the animal was perfectly suited to the task of carrying cowboys on the long journey from Texas to the railheads of Missouri and Kansas; the drovers called the prized ponies "steeldusts," a name derived for the well-known American quarter horse racer Steel Dust, who had won a host of victories in Texas in the mid-1800s and who sired numerous offspring; and
WHEREAS, While widely admired for its achievements on the western frontier, the American quarter horse traces its heritage to and earlier era of U.S. history; in the colonies of Virginia and North Carolina and South Carolina, the Galloway and hobby breeds from England were mated with Spanish Barb horses raised by the Chickasaw people; the result was the Celebrated Quarter of a Mile Running Horse," which excelled at short-distance races; later, Thoroughbred stallions and hardy mustangs of the American West also contributed to the bloodline to produce the horse so beloved by the Texas cowhands; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Lone Stare State is home to nearly 500,000 American quarter horses that are ow2ned by more than 130,000 Texans, and the breed has a sizable commercial impact on the state through its prominent role in horse shows, racing, ranching, recreational riding, and other endeavors; and
WHEREAS, This noble animal endears itself to Texans in numerous ways; rodeo athletes rely on its agility and intelligence when competing in roping and barrel-racing events, and riders of all abilities know it as a gentle and amiable animal that is a faithful companion on the trail; of course, the quarter horse remains a fixture on the working ranches of Texas, where its hoofbeats still resound across the wide open spaces that were trodden by its ancestors in the decades past; and
WHEREAS, A uniquely American breed that reflect the historical development of our state and nation, the American quarter horse is a vital part of our Texas heritage, and it is indeed a most appropriate symbol for the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 81st Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the American quarter horse as the official State Horse of Texas.
With a letter of endorsement from the American Quarter Horse Association, Logan testified before the House Committee of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in March.
By the end of the day on May 26, 2009, House Concurrent Resolution No. 53 had been approved by the Texas House of Representatives and approved by the Senate.
The American quarter horse became the official state horse of Texas when Governor Rick Perry signed House Concurrent Resolution No. 53 on June 19, 2009.
"This is a great way for the American Quarter Horse to be recognized," said AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr. "We need to give credit to the Texas Quarter Horse Association, Rep. Larry Phillips, and 10-year-old Logan Head, who got the ball rolling on this by writing to Rep. Phillips with the idea of making the American Quarter Horse the state's official horse."
AQHA Executive Vice President Don Treadway Jr.
"I love horses and feel the Quarter Horse deserves recognition for its importance in our state," said Logan, who learned to ride when she was 2. "I’m glad the bill passed."
(Pompa)
"Logan is self-motivated," said Randy Talley, dean of students at Phoenix Charter School. "She’s a wonderful girl and we’re very proud of her."
(Pompa)
Texas Law
Texas State Horse: American Quarter Horse
Photographs, prints, posters
The American quarter horse was named the official horse of the State of Texas by House Concurrent Resolution and is not, therefore, listed in the Texas Statutes.
Only a few of Texas' myriad symbols were actually adopted by an act of the legislature and written into the Texas Statutes.
Sources...
Pompa, Amber. "No horsing around for sixth grader." The Herald Banner [Greenville] 31 Aug 2009, n. pag. Web. 25 Feb. 2012. .
The State of Texas. Legislative Reference Library. House Concurrent Resolution No. 53. Austin: The State of Texas, 2009. Web. .
"Quarter Horse Named Official State Horse of Texas ." Blood-Horse Publications. The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), 20 Aug 2009. Web. 25 Feb 2012.
Additional Information
Texas State Horse: American Quarter Horse
Photographs, prints, posters
Breed Characteristics: The American Quarter Horse has unique features that make it specially suited for a variety of tasks.
Breed History: Learn the history of the world's most popular breed of horse.
Owning an American Quarter Horse: Purchasing your first horse is an important step, one which must be made with equal amounts of education and dedication. American Quarter Horse Association.
Texas Quarter Horse Association: Official website.
American Quarter Horse Association: Official website.
Equus caballusi (Horse): The University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Animal Diversity Web.
Equus caballus - (Linnaeus, 1758), Horse: A network connecting science with conservation - NatureServe Explorer: An Online Encyclopedia of Life.
Equus caballus Linnaeus, 1758: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) Here you will find authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world.
State horses: Complete list of official state horses from NETSTATE.COM.
More symbols & emblems: Complete list of official Texas state symbols from NETSTATE.COM.
My First Horse and Pony Book
by Judith Draper, Matthew Roberts
My First Horse and Pony Book: From Breeds and Bridles to Jophpurs and Jumping, by Judith Draper, Matthew Roberts. 48 pages. Publisher: Kingfisher (July 4, 2005) Reading level: Ages 4-8. This stunningly photographed book is just what young equestrian enthusiasts need to fuel their excitement, be they budding riders who already have their own pony or those who dream of horse ownership. The informative and inspiring text, combined with exquisite photographs, covers in detail all aspects of first horse and pony facts, care and riding. This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation in the first principles of horse and pony management and an exciting introduction to the world of riding.
Cherry Hill's Horse Care for Kids: Grooming, Feeding, Behavior, Stable & Pasture, Health Care, Handling & Safety, Enjoying, by Cherry Hill. Reading level: Ages 4-8, Hardcover: 128 pages, Storey Publishing, LLC (August 5, 2002). The comprehensive guide helps children and their parents choose the right horse and gives guidelines for safe handling and proper care.
The Kids' Book of the
American Quarter Horse
Steven D. Price
The Kids' Book of the American Quarter Horse (American Quarter Horse Association Books), by Steven D. Price. 200 pages. Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (December 1, 1999) Reading level: Ages 8+. As the official cartoon mascot of the American Quarter Horse Association, the equine narrator "Two Bits' takes children and parents on an educational ride through everything a beginner needs to learn about the American Quarter Horse. With his engaging whinny he teaches the names of each part of the horse, what a horse eats and wears, and the telltale expressions that indicate what a horse is thinking or feeling. Two Bits also tells about the history of the horse, from prehistoric times to the colonial days to the present, as well as practical considerations of buying and maintaining a horse, such as responsibility, grooming, and, of course, riding.
The American Quarter Horse
Steven D. Price
The American Quarter Horse: An Introduction to Selection, Care, and Enjoyment, by Steven D. Price. 336 pages. Publisher: The Lyons Press; 1st edition (October 1, 1998) Written with the full participation of the American Quarter Horse Association - the largest equine breed registry in the world - The American Quarter Horse: An Introduction to Selection, Care, and Enjoyment is a fully illustrated manual for prospective and novice owners and riders. This comprehensive guide to the popular American Quarter Horse, the world's most popular horse breed, will be a welcome addition to all libraries serving horse enthusiasts. Although the book concentrates on the history and background of the Quarter Horse breed, it is packed with practical advice and information for any prospective horse owner. All the basics of horse ownership are discussed: stabling, pasture needs, feeding, grooming, daily care, equipment, tack, trailering, first aid, and types of riding.
Quarter Horses
Robert Denhardt
Quarter Horses: A Story of Two Centuries, by Robert Moorman Denhardt. 306 pages. Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press (March 15, 1991) There is a need as well as a reason for this book, says the author, since "there are no other books covering the history of the Quarter Horse. All that is available is an article here and a chapter there. If you know the past, you can understand today and anticipate tomorrow. For this reason the serious Quarter Horse breeder and enthusiast cannot use his horses wisely today, or mate them intelligently for tomorrow, without knowledge of his breed's origin, development, and principal bloodlines. The background of this great American breed is not only information of vital interest to the consummate horseman, but also a fascinating story in its own right."
Horsekeeping Almanac: The Essential Month-by-Month Guide for Everyone Who Keeps or Cares for Horses, by Cherry Hill. Paperback: 576 pages, Storey Publishing, LLC; 1 edition (October 16, 2007). Keeping horses healthy and happy is all about establishing good routines and following the natural cycles of the animals and the land. Nobody knows this better than Cherry Hill, professional horsekeeper, lifelong horse lover, and author of more than 30 books on horses.
How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Starting Out, Starting Over, by Gincy Self Bucklin. Hardcover: 432 pages, Howell Book House (October 15, 2004) In this breakthrough guide, renowned riding expert Gincy Self Bucklin offers adult riders a unique, proven method for developing a good physical, mental, and emotional relationship with a horse.
What Your Horse Wants You to Know: What Horses' "Bad" Behavior Means, and How to Correct It, by Gincy Self Bucklin. Paperback: 208 pages, Howell Book House (October 3, 2003). This is a book for everyone who has ever looked at the constantly increasing list of methods and systems marketed as "horsemanship" and wondered which of the many possible approaches would be most suitable for a particular behavior problem.
More How Your Horse Wants You to Ride: Advanced Basics, The Fun Begins, by Gincy Self Bucklin. Hardcover: 339 pages, Howell Book House (March 6, 2006) This follow-up to How Your Horse Wants You to Ride helps intermediate to advanced riders improve their communication with their mounts and polish their overall riding skills. Readers get a complete tutorial "much of which can be found nowhere else" on taking their riding skills to the next level.
Horsekeeping on a Small Acreage: Designing and Managing Your Equine Facilities, by Cherry Hill. Hardcover: 320 pages, Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC; 2 edition (March 1, 2005) Effective management requires knowledge, dedication, and a sincere interest in the well-being of horses. In this thoroughly updated second edition of her best-selling classic, Cherry Hill explains how to be a responsible steward of the land while providing horses with the best care possible.
How to Think Like A Horse: Essential Insights for Understanding Equine Behavior and Building an Effective Partnership with Your Horse, by Cherry Hill. Hardcover: 176 pages, Storey Publishing, LLC (May 1, 2006) Horse trainer and instructor Cherry Hill believes that every human/horse relationship benefits from a greater human understanding of what motivates horses, how they experience the world, what makes them happy, and what worries them.
