The American Saddlebred Horse

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Text Box: NATIONAL AMERICAN SADDLEBRED HORSE SOCIETY

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There is no question that these horses are suitable for riding.

Although it is one of the oldest American breeds, it has no racing history and it's main purpose from the beginning has been to comfortably and efficiently carry a rider’s weight. Saddlebreds are also used in light harness, and like the modern Warm blood – a parallel European development - they show certain carriage horse characteristics. Saddlebreds are derived from several breeds of horse with the main input coming from the Thoroughbred, Morgan, the now extinct- Narragansett Pacer and the Canadian Pacer.

Saddlebreds can be enjoyed in almost every way any other horse can be, but they have a unique style and presence. They range in height from 15-17 hands. They come in many colours but the primary colour is chestnut varying from a dark liver to red or nearly gold. Bay is found frequently as is brown, black, grey, palomino and pinto. Several other characteristics make Saddlebreds unique.

They differ from most other breeds in the head and neck, the feet and legs and in the top line. Perhaps the most striking portion of the American Saddlebred horse is its head and neck. The neck is long and has a considerable arch. The head is extremely well proportioned and refined in appearance; the ears are small and elegantly shaped and placed at the top of the head, and the throatlatch is very clean.

The conformation of the Saddlebred enables him to perform well in most equine disciplines.

*See the Breed Standard page for more details the American Saddlebred conformation and type.

The American Saddlebred as a Sport/Performance horse

The American Saddlebred has a definite place in the sport horse world as a dressage, show jumping or event horse. Saddlebreds have previously been used as working ranch horses, jumpers, hunters and many a Saddlebred pulled a plough during WWII.

American Saddlebreds were the most popular cavalry chargers during the American Civil War (1861-1865) and were highly sought after by cavalrymen and officers of both armies because of their good sense, endurance, and striking appearance. Later on, Saddlebred horses went to every section of the country with returning Civil War Veterans. They could be seen on the bridle paths of New York's Central Park as well as herding cattle on the Texas plains.

COMING SOON! - SLIDE SHOW OF AUSTRALIAN BRED-SADDLEBREDS

A sport horse is term used to describe a "type of horse" not a particular breed.

A Sport Horse is used for the English-styled equestrian disciplines. These disciplines include Dressage, Eventing, Hunter competitions (as in Fox hunting or Point to Point), Endurance , Show Jumping, Combined Driving, etc .

Of the eight FEI disciplines (which are Endurance Riding, Show Jumping, Eventing, Combined Driving, Vaulting, Para Equestrian and Reining) some would say that Vaulting and especially Reining are not "Sport Horse" disciplines. The American Saddlebred is an appropriate mount for all sport horse disciplines, but especially Dressage, Jumping, and Combined Driving.

Sport Horses are bred for specific qualities in their Conformation, Movement, and Temperament.

Conformation: most sport horses have similarities in their conformation. These include a sloping shoulder, and uphill build. Conformation has direct effects on the animal's movement and jumping ability.

Movement: although movement may vary between disciplines, most sport horses are bred for a long, athletic stride and movement that uses the whole body. The gaits should have good suspension and reach, and whose hind legs can stride under the body. This movement makes it easier for the rider to teach the horse to engage, collect, and extend his stride, which are necessary qualities in all sport horse disciplines.

Temperament: because of the great deal of training needed to produce a successful sport horse, they are generally bred for trainability and willingness to work. A Saddlebred with the physical attributes mentioned above, with the tractable and affectionate personality they possess, and the athleticism they are bred for, makes them a perfect candidate for use as a Sport Horse.

The ideal sport horse is a combination of beauty, with substance, athletic ability and a willing disposition.

Click here to see a You Tube movie on the versatile Saddlebred sporthorse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKzF0muYS3A&feature=related

All photos on this website have either been taken and/or provided for promotional purposes by the horses owners or are from a personal collection of Saddlebred memorabilia

Text Box: In the beginnings of the American Saddlebred Horse breed in America, since the early 1800’s, the horses were actually registered by PERFORMANCE, not pedigree. The American Saddlebred Horse Association USA was established in 1891. Any horse that could do five gaits was granted registration as was ANY horse of ANY breed that could compete in a ring of Saddlebreds, whether three-gaited, fine harness or in hand. All they needed were written statements from judges or ASHA members that these horses had been seen to be able to compete. Stallions and mares who had produced a five-gaited offspring were registered on the basis of producing a PERFORMANCE horse. That's how the registry began. Only in later years was a registered parent required, and then only one was absolutely necessary for many years. The last horse registered on PERFORMANCE was Champion Oak Hill Chief, Five-Gaited World's Grand Champion 1943, 1945 and 1946. He was not granted registration until after he had retired. His dam was an unregistered mare reputed to be a mustang. Appendix registry was granted to Five-Gaited World's Grand Champion Beau Wolf [he won in 1930] on PERFORMANCE n 1995 as a courtesy to the memory of a great champion. only his sire was registered.

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Photo: Barry McGregor Photography 2010

Purebred Saddlebred: Canyonleigh Paeon