Saddleseat and the History & Characteristics of the American Saddlebred

Saddle Seat is an english style of riding that is used almost exclusively when riding the American Saddlebred horse. Appropriate tack includes a flat english saddle (called a Saddle seat saddle) and a double reined english bridle (called a Double bridle or Weymouth bridle). The saddleseat rider posts to the trot, but sits to all other gaits, including the slow gait and rack, artificial as opposed to natural gaits, which five-gaited horses perform.

Published in Equestrian, September 2005

The American Saddlebred is the epitome of the show horse. He carries himself with an attitude that eludes description—some call it "class," presence, quality, style or charm. This superior air distinguishes his every movement. The ideal American Saddlebred is well proportioned and presents a beautiful overall picture. The animal should be in good flesh, with good muscle tone and a smooth, glossy coat. Masculinity in stallions and femininity in mares are important and should be taken into consideration. The average height is 15 to 16 hands and any color is acceptable.

The American Saddlebred is maybe best known for its distinctive gaits including the slow gait and the rack. The slow gait was developed from the pace to be a four-beat gait with each of the four feet striking the ground separately. In the takeoff, the lateral front and hind feet start almost together, but the hind foot contacts the ground slightly before its lateral forefoot. The slow gait is a highly collected gait with most of the propulsion coming from the hindquarters, while the forequarters assist in the pull of the final beats. The slow gait is a restrained four-beat gait, executed slowly but with true and distinct precision. It is high lofty, brilliant and restrained, denoting the style, grace and polish of the horse.

The rack is a four-beat gait in which each foot meets the ground at equal, separate intervals. It is smooth and highly animated, performed with great action and speed, in a slightly unrestrained manner. Desired speed and collection are determined by the maximum rate at which a horse can rack in form. Racking in form should include the horse remaining with a good set head. The horse should perform it in an effortless manner from the slow gait, at which point all strides become equally rapid and regular.

The Fine Harness horse should posses all of the elegance and refinement of the ideal American Saddlebred, and its energy should be directed toward animation rather than speed.

The Five Gaited horse should posses beauty, brilliance, elegance and refinement but its energy should be directed toward speed in an animated form.

The Three Gaited horse should be the epitome of beauty, brilliance, elegance, refinement and expression. Its gaits are collected and its energy directed toward animation and precision. It shown with a shaved mane and tail to accentuate their long, fine necks and tall, elegant bodies. The Three Gaited horse is known as the "Peacock" of the show ring.

In the Pleasure division horses are still to show typical Saddlebred traits with quality, style, presence and suitable conformation and prompt, comfortable gaits, and should give the distinct impression that it is an agreeable mount to ride. Easy, ground-covering action is desired. Manners are paramount. Special emphasis is placed on a true, flat walk. Transitions from one gait to another should be smooth and effortless.

The American Saddlebred horse can trace its roots to the natural-gaited Galloway and Hobbie horses which came to North America from the British Isles. These hardy little horses thrived and grew in the new environment, and through selective breeding the Narragansett Pacer was developed. The Narragansett Pacer is now an extinct horse breed, but it is believed that the Narragansett Pacer made history when Paul Revere made his famous ride to warn the colonists of the British invasion.

These horses had the size and beauty of the Thoroughbred, but retained the ability to learn the easy-riding gaits. These animals were used for riding, to pull carriages and for other work. They were prized for a pleasant temperament, eagerness, strength and stamina.

There was continual crossing with Thoroughbreds, along with other breeds including Arabian and Morgan. Thus, when the first horse shows were held in Kentucky and Virginia in the early 1800s, American Saddlebreds, generally referred to as Kentucky Saddlers at that time, were frequently judged the winners because of their beauty, style and utility.

Horse shows became a popular form of public entertainment, often held at fairs. The first recorded show was at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1817, but such competitions undoubtedly took place years before.

The Confederate commands of Generals John Hunt Morgan and Nathan Bedford Forrest were mounted almost exclusively on American Saddlebreds, and these horses performed legendary feats of endurance during the war. Because most Confederate horses were privately owned, General Grant's order at Lee's surrender allowed the men to keep their horses and perhaps saved the breed.

After the war, the Saddlebred continued to increase in popularity and commercial value. Although the American Saddlebred was still primarily an animal for use, the rivalry between breeders was intense. In the 1880’s, Charles F. Mills of Springfield, IL began compiling pedigrees and formulating rules and in 1891, the American Saddlebred Registry was established.

The American Saddlebred has a proud history and is truly “The Horse America Made.”

Today, the American Saddlebred is best known for being the ultimate show horse, high stepping and elegant, as he performs his five gaits – the walk, trot, canter, slow gait and rack. The slow gait and rack were developed from the easy-riding gait traits the Saddlebred had inherited. The footfalls of the slow gait and rack begin with the lateral front and hind feet starting almost together, but the hind foot contacts the ground slightly before its lateral forefoot. The slow gait is a highly-collected gait with each of the four feet striking the ground separately. It is executed slowly but with distinct precision, full of style and brilliant restraint. In the rack, each foot meets the ground at equal, separate intervals. It gives a smooth ride while the horse performs in a slightly uninhibited manner, with great animation, speed and correct form.

An American Saddlebred’s head should be well-shaped with large, wide-set expressive eyes. Ideally, their ears are set close together with a “hook” at the tip. The neck is long with a fine, clean throatlatch and is arched and well flexed at the poll. The withers should be above the height of the hips, well-defined and prominent while the shoulders are deep and sloping. A strong level back is preferred. Long legs and sloping pasterns give spring to the Saddlebred’s stride.

The ideal American Saddlebred is well-proportioned and presents a spectacular picture. The American Saddlebred carries itself with an attitude that eludes description - some call it class, presence, quality, style or charm. This superior air distinguishes every movement and has earned the breed the nickname “The Peacock of the Horse World” – a term of admiration.

Thanks to the American Saddlebred Horse Association for the above information.