History of the American Saddlebred Horse

The American Saddlebred was developed in Kentucky, USA, in the 19th Century by plantation owners who desired a horse which was comfortable to ride, elegant and superior to look at. Its origins go back to the importation of English stock - the Old English Ambler which was the prized saddle mount in Britain (now extinct) and the English Thoroughbred. The Ambler was taken to the New World by pioneers and in the Narragansett Bay region was developed into a slightly bigger more refined type by selective breeding and became known as the Narragansett Pacer. Later the Thoroughbred found its way to America and colonialists judiciously crossed the Narragansett with the Thoroughbred and produced the Saddlebred, then known as the American Saddle Horse. Its name was changed later to Kentucky Saddler, and with the formation of the American Saddlebred Horse Association Inc in 1891 - the first horse breed registry in all the USA - was renamed American Saddlebred in honour of its National Breed status.

From its Thoroughbred forebears the Saddlebred has inherited the trot, a gait on which it has improved tremendously. From its Ambler forebears it has retained the ancient ability to 'amble' which it has refined into two extra gaits, the Slow Gait and the Rack. Both are 'ambling' gaits in that they progress with one foot on the ground at a time, in a four-beat rhythm giving a smooth seamless ride. The Slow Gait is not slow but travels at about 20-25 mph; the Rack in the region of 35 mph. Both exhibit excellent high knee motion. Most Saddlebreds inherit a splendid walk, very snappy and fast - 6-8 mph.

Height

The American Saddlbred Horse stands 15 to 16.2 hh.

Colour

Chestnut in all its shades predominates, with browns, blacks and bays available and also there are Saddlebreds that have been especially bred for the palomino and pinto colours. Greys also occur.

Breed Characteristics

Narrow refined head with large honest eyes, long upright neck, deeply sloping athletic shoulders, good deep barrel, strong hindquarters with level croup, long refined legs. Tail and neck are carried high, with good natural poll flexion. High stepping motion off powerful springy hocks.

Temperament

The American Standardbred horse is alert, intelligent, eager and gentle, but with a ring persona that is fiery.

Uses

The American Saddlebred is used in the USA primarily as a show horse, having created its own style of show ring entertainment and presentation; but he can be used for any discipline. They have excelled in show jumping, dressage, endurance, carriage driving and as family riding horses.