American Quarter Horse

Michael Birone's Quarter Horse pauses midstream on an American Quarter Horse Association-hosted ride near North Canton, Ohio.

If the Arabian is an Energizer Bunny on the trail, the Quarter Horse is a 1957 International truck: You can let him sit all winter, and in the spring he'll start right up and head down the road!" Terri Bertelson says with a hint of merriment. "They're reliable and easy for beginners to drive, they know how to conserve their energy, and are very fuel efficient."

Bertelson, a native of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, and her husband, Woody, have explored the spectacular Olympic National Park aboard their Quarter Horses, from the wide-open vistas of the sunbelt near Sequim, to the dense, primal rainforests that cloak the Hoh and Elwa Rivers.

Bertelson was 34 years old when she bought her first horse, a Quarter Horse mare and veteran of countless trail miles with her first owner, an Olympic Park employee. Bertelson wasted no time to join the local chapter of the Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (www.bchw.org). On group rides, she honed her horsemanship skills on well-maintained trails with experienced mentors at her side.

"It was a great way to build confidence, meet riders who loved the trail, and see places I never would've seen otherwise. Plus, the Backcountry Horsemen teach members to be good stewards of the land, through classes in 'leave no trace' camping and work parties where volunteers donate thousands of hours, clearing and maintaining local trails."

Eventually, Bertelson was bitten by the show bug, and bought a Quarter Horse gelding, Dawson, then 8, to enjoy in and out of the show pen. Today, at 21 years old, he's still going strong. "He's a great representative of the breed: sound and social, with one speed-slow and steady. And he loves fried chicken and hot dogs, which makes him easy to feed at campouts," she jokes.

Plenty of others are similarly impressed with this easygoing, versatile breed. Read on to find out why this good-natured, athletic horse is a favorite of riders who seek a reliable trail mount and best friend.

Riding's Rewards
In the late 1990s, Janice Tramel of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, purchased three Quarter Horse mares and bred them. One good thing led to another, and today, the retired school principal and her husband, Gary, have more than 40 Quarter Horses in the pastures at their T-N-T Ranch.

"We've fallen in love with these horses," she says. "They're so willing to please and versatile, they'll do anything for you. I've used my mare for cutting, team penning, barrel racing, drill team, and of course, trail riding.

Tramel participates in the American Quarter Horse Association's Ride Program and Frequent Rider Program. (See "Passport to Adventure" on page 40). She says that on AQHA trail rides, she enjoys great camaraderie, the opportunity to explore venues otherwise not open to the public, peace of mind knowing that trails will be safe, and excellent food. She also notes that if she goes alone, she knows that she'll make new friends on the ride. "Everyone always makes me feel completely welcome."

And in Tramel's case, there's an added ride bonus - a new Tex Tan saddle, her Frequent Rider award for logging 17 AQHA rides in 2004, more than any other participant.

With so many AQHA rides under her belt, Tramel says it's nearly impossible to choose a favorite. "The scenery at Fort Robinson, Nebraska, is spectacular, but the ride in Norwood, Missouri, was unique," she says. "After our daily rides, we had a delicious supper, then the hosts presented an evening of cowboy poetry and little dramas to illustrate the history of Missouri. Every AQHA ride has its own special evening entertainment - all well worth the price of admission!"