The American Saddlebred
The American Saddlebred horse has been hailed by a host of admirers as the world’s most beautiful horse and also one of its most versatile. Developed in colonial America by horse breeders seeking a utility horse of beauty, easy gaits, good disposition, intelligence, substance and endurance, the growth of the American Saddlebred paralleled the growth of America.
The epitome of a show horse, the Saddlebred has a carriage and attitude elusive of description. Some call it class, presence, quality, style or charm. A superior air distinguishes their every movement. Masculinity in stallions and femininity in mares is important. Their average height is from 15 to 16 hands at the withers and their weight is 1,000 to 1,200 pounds. Any color is acceptable but the most prominent are chestnut, bay, brown or black, with some being gray, roan, golden and pinto.
Saddlebreds are shown in several major divisions such as Show and Pleasure Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness/Driving, In-Hand and Equitation. A variety of western classes are also offered. American Saddlebreds have been successful in most equine disciplines from cow horses to jumpers and dressage to carriage horses. If conditioned and trained properly, Saddlebreds are capable of almost any task they are asked to perform…and they do it with style.
The breed enjoys a proud history, from the Civil War battlefields to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. A willing and capable partner for all equestrians…The American Saddlebred!
Saddlebreds are descendants of the American Saddle Horse, a breed that no longer has it's own identity because it has evolved into several different breeds.
