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American Saddlebred

by Jil Wiedemann
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There are few sights as breathtaking as an American Saddlebred stepping out in style. These handsome horses are so closely tied to American history that they are known as “the horses America made.” For looks, utility, comfortable gaits, and willingness, they are hard to beat. These are the reasons that for many riders, an American Saddlebred is simply the best.

 

History and Origins

First bred in Kentucky, the American Saddlebred is the descendant of horses imported to the East Coast of America in the early days of settlement. These horses included fast Irish Hobbies and gaited Scottish Galloways. By the time of American Independence, these breeds had already been used to create some of North America’s leading home-bred gaited breeds. These included the Narragansett Pacer and the Canadian Pacer.

 First described as “The American Horse,” the emerging breed was taller and more impressive than its ancestors. It is said that a proposal was made to send one of these horses to Queen Marie Antoinette. The early American gaited horses, along with Morgan, Thoroughbred, and other types, were used to create the Kentucky Saddler, a supremely comfortable riding horse. This breed was also used as a cavalry horse, especially by officers on both sides of the conflict, during the American Civil War. 

They were not only beautiful and comfortable to ride, but also tough and reliable. The saddle horses survived forced marches, extreme weather conditions, and the heat of battle. Riders praised the endurance and quality of their mounts in this ultimate test of soldier and horse.

What are American Saddlebred Horses used for?

Saddlebreds are one of the most versatile horses around. As well as having their own dedicated show ring classes, they take part in every other area of equestrianism with great success. They are great family horses, too.

The Foundation of the Registry

The breed registry for the Saddlebred was formed relatively early, in 1891. At this time, it was known as the National Saddle Horse Breeders Association (NSHBA). While not the first studbook in America, it was the first national association for an all-American horse breed. By 1899, this was recognized in a change of name to the American Saddle Horse Breeders Association

From then on, the reputation of the American Saddlebred grew to include enthusiasts all over the world. Described by experts as the “perfect saddle horse” and a “peacock of the horse world,” the Saddlebred performs in ridden classes from the US to Australia. It has a particularly devoted following in South Africa. Global numbers are in the region of 250,000, proving the popularity of this elegant, faithful saddle horse today. Since 1980, the name has been the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA). 

There is now a dedicated museum and archive devoted to the Saddlebred at the Kentucky Horse Park, where the headquarters of the ASHA is located. Saddlebred shows in the USA are organized in partnership with USEF, the United States Equestrian Federation. USEF has a strong policy on safe sport, ensuring that the many young people who are enthusiasts of Saddlebreds are offered a safe environment in which to compete.

American Saddlebred for sale
American Saddlebred: front view

The legs and feet are strong and sound.

American Saddle bred – Conformation

The modern American Saddlebred is a relatively tall horse, standing between 15 hands (60 inches/152 cm) and 17 hands (68 inches/173 cm) high. They weigh between 1,000 lb (450 kg) and 1,200 lb (540 kg). They are noted for their handsome heads with straight profiles and large eyes, set on long and elegant necks. Elegance is a word that springs readily to mind with regard to the Saddlebred. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) considers the breed to have an elusive quality, which includes style, presence, and charm. Their backs are strong, with high, well-defined, withers, and their quarters are powerful. 

The legs and feet are strong and sound. A long, sloping shoulder provides the length of stride required to perform their animated, uplifted gaits. The most common coat colors are chestnut, bay, brown, and black. All colors are accepted, and roan, palomino, and pinto can be found. The first pinto Saddlebred was known as long ago as 1882, even before the establishment of the first horse association for Saddlebred horses. This first pinto Saddlebred was a stallion foaled in 1882. A full and flowing mane and tail are also an important part of the appeal of this breed.

How much do American Saddlebreds cost?

A Saddlebred can cost as little as $1,000. Most will cost much more, and in the realms of showing, many will cost over $10,000.

Characteristics of the American Saddlebred

Enthusiasts of the American Saddlebred praise its unique combination of spiritedness and willingness. They are kind and generous horses and, as such, they are suitable for many riders, from beginners to advanced competitors. Their graceful, brilliant, movements add to the appeal. As gaited horses, the Saddlebreds make their mark both as comfortable, practical, riding horses as well as performing at many a major horse show. Most shows offer two opportunities to shine, either as 3-gaited or 5-gaited riding horses:

  • In 3-gaited classes the horses perform in walk, trot, and canter.
  • In 5-gaited classes, they will demonstrate walk, trot, canter, slow gait (also known as stepping pace), and the rack (a fast version of the stepping pace). The rack is often described as flashy. Displaying the rack offers the greatest opportunity for Saddlebreds to show their peacock qualities.

Whatever the class, the gaits of the Saddlebred should be elegant and active, as well as smooth and comfortable to ride. As well as ridden horses, they are a popular choice for driving classes. A single Saddlebred harnessed to a stylish vehicle with an immaculately turned-out driver will always draw the eye.

American Saddlebred: Woman with western horse

Enthusiasts of the American Saddlebred praise its unique combination of spiritedness and willingness.

Breeding and Uses

Like many breeds, the Saddlebred is the product of many different types of horses. The combination of exceptional temperament, soundness, and impressive gaits makes this a versatile breed. It is suitable for all levels of rider. It makes an exceptional family horse, too. American Saddlebreds can be found participating successfully in every sphere of equestrianism. They were, after all, developed to be utility horses at a time when horses were needed. As the name suggests, they were primarily used as saddle horses. When not being ridden, they would also be expected to participate in a range of tasks, from farm work to carriage work. In the show ring, the traditional way to present the Saddlebred to the best advantage is using saddle seat tack and dress. 

This is tidy, workmanlike, and elegant. One of the great appeals of this breed is the great range of classes open to it, and its versatility in other areas. Dedicated classes include in-hand, ridden saddle seat for both three- and five-gaited horses in both park and pleasure categories, Western pleasure, and pleasure driving. As great family horses, they make comfortable and hardy riding horses for competitive and non-competitive trail rides and endurance riding. They have also made their mark in dressage, show jumping, and eventing. In addition, they make outstanding work horses on any ranch or farm.

Are Saddlebreds naturally gaited?

American Saddlebreds have a natural disposition to produce the stepping pace and racking gaits inherited from their ancestors. These gaits can be encouraged or increased.

Saddlebred Celebrities

Saddlebreds are celebrities in their own right, having been the stars of stage and screen on numerous occasions. An American Saddlebred has even starred as that most English of horse heroes, Black Beauty, and as the Pie in “National Velvet.” The famous “talking horse,” the handsome palomino Mr Ed, was a partbred Saddlebred. It’s not surprising, then, that some of the biggest fans of this charismatic horse breed are celebrities themselves. Famous breeders and trainers include Clark Gable, Joe Louis, and William Shatner.

American Saddlebred: Side view

The modern American Saddlebred is a relatively tall horse, standing between 15 hands (60 inches/152 cm) and 17 hands (68 inches/173 cm) high. They weigh between 1,000 lb (450 kg) and 1,200 lb (540 kg).

Diet and Nutrition

As with all horses and ponies, diet will depend on the work that is being done. The famous Kentucky bluegrass may have been one of the factors contributing to the health and success of this breed, particularly the quality of its brood mares. 

Good grass and high-quality hay are essential for the health of most horses, especially competition horses. On top of this, Saddlebred show ring action is highly demanding, and horses will require the correct concentrated feed to build muscles and supply energy.

Health and Behavior of the American Saddlebred

These friendly, willing animals are not subject to major behavioral issues. On the whole Saddlebreds are healthy animals and the large gene pool assists in keeping down genetic problems. However, they can be prone to lameness, which may be due to concussion, resulting from their spectacular gaits. 

This can emerge as issues in the stifle and hock, and in the front legs, as sidebone, ringbone, and other bony deposits. It’s important to pay extra attention to foot care, especially when working on hard surfaces.

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