American Saddle Bred Horses

The American Saddlebred, previously known as the American saddle horse was developed in Kentucky in 1832 by plantation owners. Therefore, it is also known as Kentucky Saddler. This Breed of horse is a result of selective breeding of four breeds of horses. The average height is 15-16 hh, but can also be as small as 14.2 hh or taller than 17 hh. The Saddlebred is very sensitive and alert. They possess great stamina to accomplish any task. They have large eyes which are sharp and ears which have an excellent shape. The Saddlebred is known for having a head which is well proportioned to its body. These horses are also known for their prominent withers and muscular shoulders. Today, in the horse show world, they are most commonly seen in Saddle seat riding. In saddle seat competitions either the horse's movement or the rider's position can be judged. Successful horses in this discipline must be very flashy. Although they are also used in other disciplines include dressage, hunting, jumping, eventing and even western riding. The American Saddlebred can easily be coached and are capable of almost any task they are asked to perform.

Saddlbreds work well with harnesses and have enough strength to perform work on a farm. They are also fast enough to be used in certain types of races. By the middle of the 18th century, the genes from the Morgan horse breeds were added to give the Saddlebred more power and speed. It was this combined with the Thoroughbred that allowed the American Saddlebred to be developed. These horses begin to become very popular after 1940. A stallion named Denmark was born in 1939, and about 60% of all American Saddlebreds today are descendants of this horse.