The Appendix is a breed of horse that is often seen participating in many different equestrian disciplines. The breed had began as the mixing of two very different breeds of horses. Today, this breed is seen, and accounted for, as a breed all in itself. The appendix horse has a large amount of thoroughbred in its bloodline. The use of the very name, of the breed, "appendix," was first used in the thoroughbred stud book during the time of the revolutionary war. Many cold blooded horses who were bred to thoroughbred went under the title of "Appendix." During this time, it was acceptable for thoroughbreds to be breed to other breeds of horses and still be registered with the Jockey Club.
In the 1950's, the American Quarter Horse Association came to the scene. They were small, short built, with muscular hips. Their bloodlines were mainly composed of cold blooded horses. The American Quarter Horse Association chose to use an "X" to classify the registered appendix horses from the full blooded Quarter horses in order to keep the Quarter horse bloodline as pure as possible. This “X” is placed in front of the Appendix horses name. It is still a practice being used today. Some breeders, favor the earlier style of Quarter horse. The Association has created several separate organizations to promote and register "Foundation" Quarter Horses. A “Foundation” Quarter Horse is a sign of pure blood lines that date back to an earlier time.
If you enjoy eventing, such as barrel racing, trail riding, hunter/jumper, dressage, cutting, ranch work or horse racing, then the Appendix should be considered when purchasing a horse. The Appendix is very athletic. Some appendix horses can appear to be full blooded quarter horses, while others may appear to be thoroughbred. This leaves the buyer with many choices. Like many other breeds, the appendix has a wide arrange of conformation differences from horse to horse. The breed also has many different colors and markings that are acceptable.
The Appendix horse has a rich history. There are many conflicts seen throughout the Jockey Club, and the Quarter Horse Association, concerning the Appendix horse. The Appendix has proved itself, as being, a remarkable athlete. With its popularity rising, it is a breed of horse that will be seen more often in many years to come.

For Further Information:
www.americanappendix.com