Horse
Breed Description:
The American Saddlebred breed of horse was developed in Kentucky, as a uniquely American warm-blood saddle horse that could rival the Tennessee Walking Horse. It is well-known for its five exaggerated but very comfortable gaits and classy appearance and carriage. This horse is tall, lean, and elegant; with a presence and self-assuredness that makes it an ideal show horse. The head of the American Saddlebred breed of horse is small in relation to its body, narrow and lean. It has wide-set, expressive and "kind" eyes. The neck is long, lean and carried in a proudly arched position. The musculature of the American Saddlebred breed of horse should be lean under thin skin, with well-defined tendons. Its shoulders should slope into a short but straight-lined back. Its rump should be strong but never heavy. There should be a distinct feminine quality to the female of the American Saddlebred breed of horse, and a marked masculinity to the male. Any color is acceptable for the coat of the American Saddlebred breed of horse, but the more common colors are bay, black, chestnut and brown. Non-solids such as pinto, palomino and roan are also seen. The coat should be fine and glossy. The toe of the American Saddlebred breed of horse is often kept long, and it is shoed heavy, to help with the performance of its natural gaits.
Temperament:
The American Saddlebred breed of horse is highly intelligent, exhibiting alert curiosity. It is very people-oriented, making it cheerful and willing.
Height:
Averages 15 to 17 hands, or 60" to 68" at the withers.
Weight:
The American Saddlebred breed of horse averages 1,000 to 1,200 pounds.
Health Problems:
Conformation-related problems may be present in the individual American Saddlebred breed of horse that could make it difficult for it to perform the five gaits.
Origin:
The American Saddlebred breed of horse is thought to be the earliest distinctly American breed. It originated with the Colonial-era Americans. It is derived from the Galloway and Hobby horses that were brought from England to the colonies in the 17th century. In the 18th century it acquired blood from the Thoroughbred being imported at that time. Eventually the American Saddlebred breed of horse traveled south from the New England states to Virginia, where American soldiers favored the "American Horse" as a saddlehorse during the American Revolution.
Settlers took this horse with them as they moved west into Kentucky and Missouri, and north into the Ohio valley. By the time of the Civil War, the American Saddlebred breed of horse - known at the time simply as the "American Saddle Horse" - became the preferred mount of the military elite: it was noble, versatile and American-made.
The breed registry for the American Saddlebred breed of horse was established in 1891 - the first American horse breed registry. 