Horse Breeds: American Saddlebred

Originating in North America, the American Saddlebred is typically an exhibition horse. They are seen frequently in English saddleseat exhibitions but can also be found in driving and Western classes.

When America was still young, Galloway and Hobbie horses from Britian were brought over to the new world by ship. These horses were bred to create the Narragansett Pacer. This horse was crossed to the Thoroughbred in the 1700s, producing the beautiful and elegant American Horse. This new breed was used for both driving and riding. A little later, the American Horse was crossed to horses of Arabian and Morgan blood to create the American Saddlebred. The American Saddlebred is a show horse, no doubt about it. They can be found in shows throughout the world, though they are most commonly found in saddleseat exhibitions.

The American Saddlebred is one of the most elegant of horses. They are either three-gaited or five-gaited, and this includes the standard gaits, the slow gait, and the rack. The hooves hit the ground individually in both gaits, but the rack is much faster. All gaits are animated and a joy to watch. A true American Saddlebred is elegant in appearance with bright facial features, a long arched neck, and a high-stepping movement. All colors are acceptable in the American Saddlebred Horse Association, including pinto and some rather unusual colors. The size of the American Saddlebred is fairly consistent, with horses usualy standing from 15 to 17 hands high.