Which of the following is a small, stocky breed of horse?

American Quarter Horse, is one of the oldest recognized breeds of horses in the United States. The breed originated in about the 1660s as a cross between native horses of Spanish origin used by the earliest colonists and English horses imported to Virginia from about 1610. By the late 17th century, these horses were being raced successfully over quarter-mile courses in Rhode Island and Virginia, and hence received the name Quarter Horses. The Quarter Horse was bred for performance and had considerable Thoroughbred blood as well as traits of other lines.

In the early 19th century, Quarter Horses were overshadowed by Thoroughbreds, which ran better over longer distances. But Quarter Horses soon found a new acceptance in the western and southwestern United States as stock horses. The breed’s inherent quickness and agility made it ideally suited to the tasks of the developing frontier. Its good-natured disposition and natural cow-sense made the American Quarter Horse a favourite mount among cowboys during the open-range era of the West.

Modern American Quarter Horses are short and stocky, with heavy muscular development; short, wide heads; and deep, broad chests. Since these horses are used to cut cattle from herds, fast starting, turning, and stopping ability and speed for short distances are essential qualities. Their colours are variable, but all are solid.