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Traveler (horse) facts for kids

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Traveler
Traveler
Breed Unknown, but a foundation sire for the Quarter Horse
Discipline Racing
Sire unknown
Grandsire unknown
Dam unknown
Maternal grandsire unknown
Sex Stallion
Foaled about 1880
Country United States
Color Roan
Breeder unknown
Honors
Honors
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame

Traveler (who died in 1912) was a very important horse for starting the American Quarter Horse breed. But it's a mystery because no one knows who his parents were. He showed up in Texas in the mid-1880s. He became a famous racehorse and a stallion, which means he was used for breeding other horses.

The Story of Traveler

Some stories say Traveler worked on a railroad in Eastland County, Texas. He was part of a team of horses helping to build the tracks. We don't know if this story is true. The first person officially known to own Traveler was a man named Brown Seay.

Traveler's Appearance

Traveler was a light sorrel horse. He had some light roaning on his sides. This means he had white hairs mixed with his main coat color. He also had a small white mark on his nose (called a snip) and a white streak on his face.

He stood about 15 hands (60 inches; 152 cm) tall. This is a way to measure a horse's height. He had long legs but was also very muscular.

Racing and Breeding

When Brown Seay owned Traveler, the horse raced a lot in Texas. These were often "match races." In a match race, only two horses compete against each other.

Later, the Shely brothers owned Traveler. They bred many of his most famous babies. These offspring helped create the American Quarter Horse breed we know today.

Traveler's Legacy

Traveler passed away in 1912. Experts believe he was about 32 years old when he died. He had many famous children who became important Quarter Horses themselves.

Famous Offspring

Some of Traveler's most well-known children include:

  • Little Joe
  • King (also called Possum)
  • Jim Ned
  • Judge Thomas
  • Texas Chief
  • Captain Joe

His family line also includes other important horses like Joe Reed II, Hard Twist, Silver King, Tonto Bars Hank, and Tonto Bars Gill.

Hall of Fame

Because of his huge impact on the breed, Traveler was honored in 1994. He was put into the AQHA Hall of Fame. This is a special place that celebrates the most important horses and people in the history of the American Quarter Horse.

  • AQHA Hall of Fame
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