The History & Characteristics of the American Saddlebred

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.