- American Saddlebred -

The American Saddlebred was traditionally known as the Kentucky Saddler, and originated in the areas around Kentucky in the nineteenth century. Originally developed by the pioneers of Kentucky, they were bred to be all-around versatile utility horses using a cross primarily of Narraganssett Pacer and Canadian Pacer, both of which are now extinct. The American Saddlebred also exhibits traits from the breeds of Morgan, Hackney, and Thoroughbred blood. They are, perhaps, the most famous of gaited horse breeds and have acquired much of their reputation through showing.

They are judged under two groupings-one for five-gaited horses and one for three-gaited horses. In both instances, the gaits are very exaggerated and flashy which, combined with the artificial tail-nicking to produce very high tail carriage, have occasionally deflected from the versatility of the American Saddlebred. For showing purposes they are shod with very heavy shoes and overgrown horn to accentuate the action of the feet and legs- and this, combined with some of the training methods used on these horses, has causes concern in some circles.

The Saddlebred is a very useful and versatile horse. They have excellent temperaments and are very willing and calm as well as energetic with good stamina and endurance. They make wonderful trail riding horse and are used for pleasure and trail riding, for hunting with hounds, and for farm and ranch work, going very well in harness. Characteristically, the American Saddlebred has great presence and spirit, with an extravagant action. Some of them are trained to show in five different gaits: walk, trot, canter, slow gait, and the rack, which is a 'full speed ahead' movement.

Typically they have small, quality heads set on a muscular neck, which is set high on the shoulders to aid the elevating action. They also boast a broad chest, a well-sprung rib cage, and a level croup with the tail well set and nicked to produce and exaggeratingly high carriage. These beautiful horses tend to stand with the front thrust forward and stright-hocked behind. Their legs are slender and long, with well-defined tendons and sloping pasterns. Any solid color is permissible, although the predominant color is chestnut. American Saddlebreds tend to stand between 15 and 16 hands high.

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