Last Updated on March 9, 2022
Let’s take a look at appendix horse characteristics, a cross of one of the most popular horse breeds in the United States, the American Quarter Horse. This breed is a cross between a Quarter Horse and a Thoroughbred, with the goal of producing a horse with the best qualities of both. The foal born of this cross is eligible for registration with the American Quarter Horse Association and the American Appendix Horse Association.
Physical Appendix Horse Characteristics
The average appendix horse stands between 15 to 17-hands tall. The upper height of this range is taller than the average Quarter Horse. The potential for a taller horse comes from the Thoroughbred side of the breeding.
These horses weigh between 900 and 1,200 pounds. The build of an appendix horse can vary depending on how much influence the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred parents have. You will see any from a chunky, compact, stocky type resembling a full Quarter Horse, to taller, leaner, and more blood looking like a Thoroughbred, to everything in between.
Appendix Horse Temperament
The personalities and brain of the sire and dam greatly influence the temperament of the foal. However, certain temperament traits run through particular breeds. American Quarter Horses have a reputation for calm, sensible, and trainable
The Thoroughbred is hot-blooded and usually has a more flighty, and fiery temperament. However, there are exceptions. This means that an appendix can inherit this, which gives them a less calm temperament than a Quarter Horse.
Both breeds have a willingness to work, but novice riders are better off looking for a Quarter Horse over an appendix since they are more reliably calm. The appendix has a friendly personality, and generally enjoys interacting with people.
Appendix Horse Breed Colors
The American Quarter Horse Association accepts 17 coat colors in its registry, but limits white markings on the legs to the knee and below. The appendix does not come in the same range of colors, since the Thoroughbred does not carry as many in its genetic profile. The most common appendix horse colors are bay, grey, brown, and black. Less frequently, coat colors include palomino, buckskin, and chestnut.
Appendix Health Conditions
Appendix horses have a higher risk of suffering from a number of health conditions. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) is a disease that causes sporadic weakness or collapse and muscle tremors. It can also cause paralysis of the upper airway muscles, which during an attack causes the horse to make loud breathing sounds.
A severe attack can cause sudden death from heart failure or respiratory paralysis. HYPP is, unfortunately, a disease that disproportionately affects Quarter Horses and is inheritable. It is passed to an appendix horse through its Quarter Horse parent.
Another disease affecting appendix horses is polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM). PSSM is a genetic mutation that causes the horse’s body to store too much glycogen in its muscles. This can make the horse sore and stiff.
This soreness and stiffness are called tying-up or exertional rhabdomyolysis. Horses suffering from an episode often don’t like moving much, sweat, and show lameness.
Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is another disease the appendix can inherit from its Quarter Horse parent. Though rare, MH, is life-threatening when it occurs. It is triggered in at-risk horses when they are exposed to anesthesia drugs.
With MH the horse’s body has an increased muscle metabolism caused by high levels of calcium released from skeletal muscle cells. During this process, body temperature increases and can lead to a hyper-metabolic state, which has a high fatality rate.
A horse carrying the MH mutation and the PSSM1 mutation has a higher risk of severe tying-up.
Appendix Horse Uses
Appendix horse characteristics mean that it is an athletic and versatile horse. This makes the horse suitable for a large variety of equestrian activities. They make excellent pleasure horses, barrel racers, low-level jumpers, and ranch horses.
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Conclusion
The appendix horse mixes all the right qualities for an all-rounder type of horse. The only thing to keep in mind is some inherit a more Thoroughbred-like temperament, so not all are suitable for novice riders.
It is a good option for a taller rider as they tend to have more height than a Quarter Horse. The appendix is generally a good keeper, unlike the Thoroughbred that can take a lot of feeding to keep condition.
What is an Appendix horse?
The American Appendix Horse is a cross between an American Quarter Horse and a Thoroughbred. It is also referred to as a “Quarter Horse” or “Appendix Quarter Horse.” They are a generally friendly horse, although can also be unpredictable sometimes. This means they are best suited for the owners with some experience in handling the unpredictability.
American Appendix Horses are considered to be very versatile and adaptable. They can be trained in a wide variety of disciplines and are well suited to work, trail, pleasure, dressage, driving and western riding.
Why is it called an Appendix Quarter Horse?
Appendix Quarter horse is a type of horse which is produced by mating two distinct types of horses – the Thoroughbred and the American Quarter Horse. The offspring are registered under the Appendix of the studbook of the American Quarter Horse Association. That’s where the name Appendix Quarter Horse comes from. However, at the first stage, Appendix Quarter horses are not eligible for a full AQHA registration due to breeding restrictions.
Are Appendix horses easy keepers?
Appendix horses are similar in temperament to Quarter Horses, having a calm and even disposition. They are usually easy-to-care for and great for breeding. Their temperament may make them easier to ride and handle than other breeds. The versatility of an Appendix horse make them perfect for a range of activities including ranch work and farm chores. They have a tendency to be competitive, but also enjoy working together and being social in their herd. The breed is used for show jumping, racing, ranch work and general riding.
Can an Appendix horse race?
Appendix horses are a cross of Quarter Horse, but they are special in their own right. Although they are eligible to compete in all AQHA shows and other events, there are breeding restrictions. Only horses that have been registered as regular numbered Quarter Horses can be breed back to permanent.
Are Appendix horses good jumpers?
Appendix horses are well suited for jumping, but jumping can be a complex activity. Training an appendix horse to jump is an involved process that requires training both the horse and the rider.
Where an owner chooses to compete, a lot of money can be spent on training and conditioning, and in some cases, horses can be very expensive. A good jumping horse needs to be trained on a regular basis, and must be conditioned. The horse is conditioned for jumping by building up his jumping distance and strength gradually. Conditioning involves working on the horse’s legs and body, making sure they have good balance, and that they are in good physical shape.
Are Appendix Quarter Horses good for beginners?
When starting out with horses, it can be difficult to determine whether your horse will make a good beginner horse or not. You may want to look into different breeds of horses that are easy to break and train. The Appendix Quarter horse can be a perfect and inexpensive beginner horse due to their steady temperament, adaptability, dexterity, and reliability. You don’t have to worry about the “high-spirited” traits that can come with some other breeds. However, it can also be a fun, easy-to-ride horse with a smooth, even disposition, not only suitable for beginner horse owners but can also be great for experienced horse owners as well.
Michael Dehaan is a passionate horse owner, horse rider, and lover of all things equine. He has been around horses since he was a child, and has grown to become an expert in the field. He has owned and ridden a variety of horses of different breeds, and has trained many to compete in shows and competitions. He is an experienced horseman, having worked with and competed many horses, including his own. He is an active member of the equestrian community, participating in events and teaching riding lessons.