Saddlebred
Image from Dark Side Arabians
Intro
The American gaited breeds are a direct result of the vogue popularity of Thoroughbred racing in Europe in the 17th century. The gaited horses were cast aside and many of them made their way to North America.
Origins
The Saddlebred ancestor is the Narragansett Pacer developed in New England.
Originally bred for practical purposes, the Saddlebred made their way to southern states and into the hands of plantation owners. Enjoyed because of their ability to do well under saddle, pull a rig or a plow, and for their eagerness as a solid utility mount.
Today the Saddlebred is adaptable enough to accept any challange, they are used in show, under harness and for pleasure riding.
Features
Average height 16 hands
Five gaits
One a four beat gait at which they can reach close to 30mph
Cooperative
Free, high-knee action
Physique
Small straight head
Long, elegant neck
Beefy body and hindquarters
Tail carried high
Slender, well formed legs
Traditional Colors:
Gray
Chestnut
Bay
Black
Temperament
Sweet tempered
Pros:
Cooperative and docile
Cons:
Possess an ‘inner fire’
Use
Show horse
Pleasure / trail horse
Driving
Helpful Links
*All links open in a new window
American Saddlebred Horse Association
Americansaddlebred.com
Golden American Saddlebred Horse Association
American Saddlebred Sports Horse Association
Where to Buy
Free Horse Ads
Horsetopia
Equinehits.com
Saddlebred Studs
Stallion Directory
Horsequest
American Saddlebred Stallion Directory
Saddlebred Art
American-saddlebred.com
American Saddlebred Museum
Vintage Saddlebred Art
Saddlebred Books and Reading
Kentucky’s Saddlebred Heritagea
Saddlebreds
The American Saddlebred
Saddlebred books
