The horse has a different digestive system than other farm animals. Although the horse has a single compartment stomach (like humans, pigs and dogs), the horse can utilize roughage like a cow or sheep which are ruminants (animals that use four stomachs to break down forages). This is possible because the horse has an unique type of large intestine.

When feeding a sick horse, offer small quantities of food at frequent intervals. The food sould be easily digestible, nutritious, laxative and easily swallowed.

Since the creation of the American Quarter Horse Association more than 50 years ago, breeders have been perfecting the bloodlines of the American Quarter Horse to produce a high quality, versatile animal. AQHA has set forth a strict set of guidelines regarding registration of American Quarter Horses.