While most people will never step foot on a ranch let alone ride a horse or work a cow, the ranch horse is still a very valuable team member for farms and ranches throughout the United States
The Quarter Horse has secured its place in American history as the iconic symbol of the old west. While other breeds certainly excel at being ranch horses, the Quarter Horse breed was formed in America by ranchers who wanted to bring the best horses together.
The American Paint Horse has a story not too different from the Quarter Horse. The AQHA was formed for solid horses whereas the founding members of the APHA valued color and performance. The horses themselves have a similar origin, working ranch horses.