If you are thinking of buying a horse, visit the Quarter Horse Museum. I thought I was just seeing a couple of exhibits about the horse and maybe some artwork. But if their secret goal is to sell you on the quarter horse, they certainly do a good job. Before you even exit the building, you’ll be saying, "SOLD"!
This is one of the most comprehensive museums I’ve seen. You start out with an orientation video explaining the history and development of the horse. The theatre is beautiful and the movie is well-made.
One gallery holds everything a horse requires in terms of equipment. It identifies each piece so that a novice could understand it. Again, these are explained in very simple terms. There are interactive displays as well as replicas of horses and saddles that you can sit on.
A whole exhibit describes looking for and purchasing a horse. It gives you hints on what to look for, where to find the horse, and then registering it. Videos show you what you need to know about grooming, feeding, and more.
There is a section that explains all of the activities a quarter horse is good for. Barrel racing, roping, being in a rodeo, and more are detailed with photos and an explanation of each activity. You can see the diversity of this horse and all that you can do in this section. There is also a full-size horse trailer containing the equipment used at shows.
Another gallery shows famous quarter horses and people who have been instrumental in developing this horse. The history of the horse is also described. There are factual exhibits showing where quarter horses are located by state and country, and you see where most are concentrated. Certain ranches are highlighted and ranch work duties are explained.
Rotating exhibits feature artwork, such as paintings and photographic exhibits. You won’t see a lot of artwork at this museum, like there is at a traditional art museum. This museum seems more geared to families, especially children. Most of the videos feature children, and there are numerous hands-on items kids can get on and play with. It is so interactive that if you looked at everything and watched all of the videos, you’d be there for a good couple of hours. It would definitely make for a good family day activity, although, as an adult, I was equally entertained.