The Foundation Quarter Horse is easily recognized by his body shape and unique conformation. He is more horse for the height than is found in any other breed. Built low to the ground, much of the time he does not exceed fifteen hands, but due to his build will often weigh twelve hundred pounds or more. The pattern of his muscle adorns nearly every part of his body. There is his small alert ear, wide set honest bright eye that windows his great intelligence and kindness, bulging jaw, neck of moderate length joined low into his sloping shoulder, topped by a well defined wither. A short back with strong lion, deep barrel with long underline, well sprung ribs with great heart girth. The space between the forelegs is ample to supply for a wide, well developed chest, while the forearms, gaskins, and hindquarters carry the muscle that separates the Foundation Quarter Horse from all others. Seen from the rear the power filled stifles are wider than the croup. The bones of the Foundation Quarter Horse are trim, dense, and sturdy. His rugged frame is necessary to support the bulk that provides his strength. The cannon bones are short and flat set above strong pasterns. The foot is deep with open heel, well rounded with sufficient size. When under observation, the animal displays his divine design.. -Dillon Shook Statement of Purpose The purpose of the Foundation Quarter Horse Registry is to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the working cow horse bloodlines of the Foundation Quarter Horse by the individuals that the FQHR deems as Foundation bred. The Registry is based on blood. The American Quarter Horse Association was organized in 1940 with similar intent. Therefore the Foundation Quarter Horse Registry recognizes those horses listed in the first five studbooks (first 27,000 horses registered) as Foundation bred. Most individuals carrying 75% Foundation blood are eligible for registration. The fourth generation is critical (great grand sires and great grand dams), of that generation 75% should descend from or run to Foundation blood. No registered thoroughbred may be closer than the fourth generation. It is the aim of the Registry to keep regulation simple and easy. Government will be kept to a minimum, fees will be reasonable. Keeping and preserving bloodlines is, and will continue to be our goal; not to overload with regulations and requirements. -Dillon Shook and Ralph Dye
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