|
The National Foundation Quarter Horse Association (NFQHA), based in Joesph, Oregon, is different than other horse associations in several ways. Their goal is to promote and help perpetuate the Bulldog Type Foundation Quarter Horse, best known for his versatility. The association was founded on the philosophy that the more Quarter Horse blood a horse carries, the more Quarter Horse traits it will exhibit. These traits include a high degree of intelligence, a calm, quiet, kind and willing disposition and a heavily muscled body with a low center of gravity, carried on sound bone and feet. "Breed the Quarter Horse back into the Quarter Horse" is their motto.
Through their standards and rules they adhere to their philosophy. For instance, only the horse is judged and not the handler or rider. No penalties are given for scars and blemishes. Since the association promotes the working Quarter Horse, scars are to be expected through the nature of their work.
Silver halters are not allowed in the Versatility Conformation classes and excessive silver in other classes is disallowed. Riders are encouraged to dress down and fancy attire is to be avoided. Neat, western clothing suitable for working and riding is the standard.
The foundation does not condone practices which take away a horse's natural protection against dust and insects, such as shaving the inside of the ears and nostrils. Manes and tails are to be at their natural length and the bridle path is limited to the length of the ears. Clipping excessive facial hair, hair outside the ears and excessive leg hair is permitted.
Excessively slow gaits are penalized. Horses should be shown at their natural, working gaits and should not behave depressed nor have a dejected expression and poll lower than the withers. Any of the former will be grounds for disqualifying the horse from the class.
NFQHA has recognized state and regional clubs across the country. A French European Foundation Quarter Horse Association even formed. "The clubs are independent organizations that form in order to provide a local and convenient place to show Foundation Quarter Horses, and to provide social and recreational activities for members and their horses" as their stated purpose in NFQHA promotional material.
Before competing in NFQHA's events, a horse must first become registered. To do so a registration form is submitted and a copy of the horse's bloodlines 11 generations back is obtained. No more than 20 percent Thoroughbred is allowed which is determined through a formula calculation.
The American Quarter Horse Association is in no way affiliated with NFQHA but is not opposed to it either.
Once registered a horse can compete at NFQHA events and enter in the class divisions of open, super senior, novice and youth. The class categories are all related to the versatility of the Quarter Horse: Working Western Pleasure, Working Ranch, Reining, Western Riding, Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Keyhole, Cow Work, Using Cow Horse, Dally Team Roping-Heading and Heeling, Calf Roping, Breakaway Roping, Steer Daubing, Ranch Cutting, Versatility Conformation, In Hand Trail, Team Penning and Team Branding.
| 
