The Ultimate Guide to the American Saddlebred
History, Characteristics and Care

American Saddlebred

The American Saddlebred is a distinguished and charismatic equine breed with a rich history, earning it the nickname "Horse America Made." This breed traces its origins back to Colonial America when Thoroughbreds were first introduced to North America in the 1700s. The colonists began cross breeding Thoroughbreds with the Pacer, resulting in the American Saddlebred. Originally known as the "American Horse," this breed quickly gained immense popularity for its versatility, stamina, and refined elegance. So much so that in 1776, an American diplomat even proposed gifting an "American Horse" to Marie Antoinette.

Throughout history, the American Saddlebred proved its worth on both the battlefield and in show rings. Civil War generals like Robert E. Lee, Ulysses S. Grant, and William Sherman all favored the American Saddlebred as their wartime mount, thanks to its bravery, agility, and endurance. As the breed evolved, it became known for its striking physical presence, featuring a proud, upright carriage with an arched neck and forward-set ears.

Today, the American Saddlebred is celebrated as the ultimate show horse, dominating saddle seat disciplines with its graceful yet powerful high-stepping action. In addition to performing the standard walk, trot, and canter, the five-gaited American Saddlebred is renowned for its two unique gaits, the slow gait and the rack. These gaits, particularly the rack, are performed with an impressive display of speed and animation, further solidifying the breed's reputation for brilliance in the show ring.

The American Saddlebred typically stands between 15.1 and 16.3 hands in height and comes in a variety of colors, including black, bay, gray, chestnut, palomino, and pinto. Its versatility extends beyond the show ring, with the breed excelling in various disciplines such as dressage, combined driving, and jumping. Known for its intelligence, willingness, and loyalty, the American Saddlebred is both a thrilling show horse and a faithful companion.

However, despite its many attributes, the American Saddlebred faces certain health challenges, particularly due to the physical demands of performance. With proper management and balanced nutrition, many of these risks can be mitigated. Nonetheless, some American Saddlebreds carry genetic predispositions to incurable conditions, necessitating responsible breeding practices.

Overall, the American Saddlebred stands as a true testament to American equestrian tradition, blending history, beauty, and athleticism. Whether in the show ring or on the trail, the American Saddlebred continues to captivate horse enthusiasts with its charisma and elegance.

American Saddlebred History

The American Saddlebred has a long and storied history, with its ancestors gaining recognition under various names throughout American history. Initially, these horses served as versatile mounts, excelling in roles ranging from all-purpose riding to war horses. However, it wasn’t until 1891 that the breed's official registry was established, cementing the American Saddlebred as a distinct and recognized breed.

Origin

The American Saddlebred is a gaited breed, known for its ability to perform smooth, ambling gaits that provide greater comfort for riders compared to the standard walk, trot, or canter. These four-beat gaits, which lack a suspension phase, make the American Saddlebred an ideal riding horse.

The breed’s development was heavily influenced by the now-extinct Narragansett Pacer, the first breed developed in America. These gaited horses significantly shaped several modern American breeds, including the American Saddlebred. The Narragansett Pacer descended from ambling horses brought to the continent from the British Isles, and research suggests that these traits originated in 9th-century England, later spreading across Europe due to the Vikings.

In Colonial America, settlers began crossing the Narragansett Pacers with imported Thoroughbreds, producing what became known as the "American Horse." This early breed, which laid the foundation for the American Saddlebred, was further refined in the 1800s when pioneers took these horses westward. Kentucky breeders played a significant role in enhancing the breed by adding more Thoroughbred blood, resulting in the evolution of what came to be known as the Kentucky Saddler, a key predecessor to the American Saddlebred.

Additional influences from Morgan, Standardbred, Hackney, and Canadian Pacer bloodlines during the 19th century helped shape the American Saddlebred into the refined and versatile breed we recognize today.

Historic Use

The American Saddlebred, originally known as the American Horse and later as the Kentucky Saddler, was highly valued as an all-purpose mount. With their smooth, comfortable gaits, the American Saddlebred gained such prestige that even an American diplomat in France once proposed gifting one to Marie Antoinette.

The Kentucky Saddler, a direct predecessor of the American Saddlebred, was larger and more refined than its ancestors. Known for its endurance and bravery, the American Saddlebred proved to be an exceptional war horse, favored by cavalry officers. During the American Civil War, many high-ranking officers, including Confederate General Robert E. Lee and Union General Ulysses S. Grant, rode famous American Saddlebreds like Traveller and Cincinnati.

After the war, the American Saddlebred thrived in a different capacity. The demand for show horses allowed the breed to flourish, with exhibitions showcasing the elegance and quality of the American Saddlebred as early as 1816. Throughout the 1900s, the popularity of the breed grew as standardized formats and rules for competitions were established, solidifying the American Saddlebred's reputation as a premier show horse.

Breed Registry

The American Saddlebred Horse Association was established in 1891, initially known as the National Saddle Horse Breeders Association. Since its founding, the organization has maintained a registry that now includes nearly 250,000 American Saddlebreds.

To be eligible for registration with the American Saddlebred Horse Registry, horses must have verified pure American Saddlebred blood through DNA testing. Additionally, the ASHA offers a Half American Saddlebred registry for crossbred horses, ensuring that even horses with mixed lineage can be recognized and documented.

Breed Characteristics

The American Saddlebred is known for its distinctive features and animated movement, making it a standout in the show ring. With a combination of elegance and versatility, the American Saddlebred excels in various disciplines thanks to its willing attitude and refined physical characteristics.

Conformation

An average American Saddlebred stands between 15.1 and 16.3 hands, with an upright head carriage that gives the impression of added height. They are easily recognized by their slim, arched necks, graceful ears, and large, expressive eyes that contribute to their refined appearance. A well-proportioned head with a straight profile enhances the breed’s elegance.

The ideal American Saddlebred also features a well-balanced body with sloping shoulders, well-sprung ribs, defined withers, and a strong back. Their legs should be correct, and most American Saddlebreds carry their tails high, adding to the breed's iconic and graceful appearance.

Colors

The American Saddlebred comes in a wide variety of coat colors, adding to its visual appeal and diversity. This versatility in appearance makes each American Saddlebred unique, enhancing their presence both in the show ring and other disciplines. The American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) recognizes a broad spectrum of coat colors in registered horses, including:

Black
Brown
Bay
Chestnut
Gray
Palomino
Buckskin
Pinto
Roan
Champagne
Dun
Silver
Cremello
Perlino
Smoky cream
White
Albino

This extensive range of colors further contributes to the American Saddlebred's versatility and charm, making it a visually captivating breed regardless of its specific coat pattern.

Temperament

American Saddlebred typically have people-oriented personalities that owners find endearing. These horses are generally intelligent, sensitive, alert, and curious. Their willingness to work and natural confidence make them excellent partners for competitive riders.

While these friendly horses often form strong bonds with people, their sensitivity and intelligence may not be ideal for complete beginners without proper guidance. However, every horse is an individual, and temperaments can vary significantly based on several factors.

Gaits

The American Saddlebred is considered a gaited breed, but not all American Saddlebred can perform ambling gaits. Unlike some other gaited horses, American Saddlebreds are also a trotting breed.

Three-gaited American Saddlebred perform the standard walk, trot, and canter, with these gaits being animated, fluid, and balanced. Some American Saddlebred can also perform two additional ambling gaits, known as the slow gait and rack, making them five-gaited horses. These gaits are especially comfortable for riders as they lack a moment of suspension.

The slow gait and rack are both four-beat gaits where each foot hits the ground independently. However, the slow gait is distinguished from the rack by a hesitation between the second and third beats. The rack, on the other hand, is performed at a quicker speed with equal intervals between footfalls. In the slow gait, the lateral legs leave the ground together, but the hindfoot lands before the front foot. Despite the slow gait being referred to as a stepping pace, American Saddlebred are not pacers, as pacing involves both legs on one side of the body landing simultaneously.

Disciplines

The American Saddlebred is most commonly associated with the saddle seat discipline. Owners can showcase their Saddlebreds in recognized breed competitions, which offer divisions such as pleasure, three-gaited, five-gaited, and fine harness.

In the pleasure division, rideability is key, with horses required to perform a flat walk, trot, and canter. Saddlebreds compete in various classes including show pleasure, country pleasure, hunter, and western.

In the three-gaited and five-gaited divisions, American Saddlebred are judged based on conformation, presentation, and their gaits. Three-gaited horses perform an animated walk, trot, and canter, while five-gaited Saddlebreds add the slow gait and rack to their repertoire.

Fine harness Saddlebreds pull a four-wheeled cart and are judged on their animated walk and trot.
Although many American Saddlebred compete in breed-specific shows, owners also participate in a wide range of disciplines such as western, hunter/jumper, dressage, eventing, and driving.

American Saddlebred Health

Due to the rigorous demands of training and frequent traveling, many American Saddlebreds experience health challenges common among show horses. These challenges often include stress-related conditions, which can be exacerbated by the physical exertion required for competitions. Additionally, the selective breeding practices aimed at enhancing their unique gait and appearance have led to some genetic disorders. One such condition is equine metabolic syndrome, a metabolic disorder that affects Saddlebreds, possibly due to their gaited horse lineage. This syndrome can cause obesity, insulin resistance, and a heightened risk of developing laminitis, a painful and potentially debilitating condition affecting the hooves.

Genetic Diseases

Junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB), also called red foot disease, is the most significant genetic disorder affecting American Saddlebreds. This inherited disease manifests in foals as severe blistering and painful skin lesions shortly after birth, leading to life-threatening infections. Unfortunately, there is no cure for JEB, and affected foals eventually succumb to the disease. However, breeders can now utilize DNA testing to identify carriers of the defective gene and prevent the spread of JEB within breeding populations.

Another genetic issue seen in American Saddlebreds is lordosis, commonly known as swayback. While lordosis generally affects older horses, in Saddlebreds, it often presents in much younger animals. Research has shown that around 80% of Saddlebreds with this spinal deformity share a specific genetic marker on chromosome 20. Since lordosis is caused by a recessive gene, both parents must carry and pass on the gene for a foal to develop this condition. Interestingly, 15% of American Saddlebreds without physical signs of swayback also carry two copies of this gene, making it a complex condition to predict and manage within the breed.

Health Problems

American Saddlebreds with mild swayback (lordosis) can often live relatively normal lives, but severe cases can cause significant damage to the vertebrae, ligaments, and tendons in the back. This can lead to pain and restricted mobility. Aside from lordosis, digestive problems and lameness are among the most common health concerns for American Saddlebred show horses.

Show horses, particularly American Saddlebreds, are at high risk for digestive issues due to the stress of frequent training, altered schedules, stalling, transportation, and the physical demands of competition. These factors can disrupt their digestive function. A study of 23 horses revealed that gastric ulcer prevalence increased from 17.4% to 56.5% after just one competition. Previous research supports this finding, with nearly 60% of performance horses, including American Saddlebreds, suffering from gastric ulcers.

Stress and grain-based diets further exacerbate digestive issues, disrupting the gut microbiota and leading to hindgut problems such as ulceration and dysbiosis. These conditions can hinder nutrient absorption, causing discomfort and affecting the horse's overall health and performance.

Musculoskeletal injuries are another major concern for American Saddlebreds, particularly due to the high-impact demands of show disciplines. Maintaining a high head carriage and executing high limb action increase the concussive forces on the limbs. Studies on other breeds indicate that five-gaited horses, including American Saddlebreds, place more stress on their hindlimbs than three-gaited horses, leading to a higher incidence of hindlimb and hock lameness. Compensatory lameness can also develop in the forelimbs due to uneven weight distribution.

Additionally, American Saddlebreds are prone to equine metabolic syndrome when they are not in regular work. This condition, compounded by grain feeding and unrestricted pasture access, can lead to laminitis, a painful hoof disorder that can severely affect mobility and performance.

Care and Management

Like all horses, American Saddlebreds require proper care to ensure their physical, mental, and social well-being. Owners should collaborate with a veterinarian to create a comprehensive preventative wellness program that includes vaccinations, deworming, and routine dental care. For competitive American Saddlebreds, regular lameness exams are advisable to identify minor issues before they escalate. Veterinarians may also suggest joint injections as part of a horse’s maintenance regimen.

American Saddlebreds are naturally athletic and thrive with consistent exercise. Owners should work with a qualified trainer to establish a balanced training and competition schedule that allows for adequate recovery time. Ensuring optimal farrier care is essential for maintaining hoof balance and minimizing the risk of distal limb injuries. When shoeing American

Saddlebreds, the focus should be on soundness rather than artificially enhancing their signature animated movement.
Regular turnout is also highly beneficial for American Saddlebreds. Research shows that just two hours of daily group turnout can significantly reduce stress-related behaviors in competition horses kept in stalls. Managing stress through proper care can also reduce the risk of gastric ulcers, which are common in performance horses.

Finally, ensuring proper nutrition and a well-balanced feeding program is critical for maintaining digestive health in American Saddlebreds. A diet that supports gut health can prevent issues such as gastric ulcers and improve overall performance.

American Saddlebred Nutrition

The ideal feeding program for an American Saddlebred varies based on their lifestyle and workload. Show horses, in particular, require sufficient energy to sustain their performance, but it’s important to avoid overfeeding, as excess calories can lead to over-conditioning.

If your American Saddlebred becomes overweight, they face a higher risk of joint problems and other health concerns. Additionally, easy weight gain could indicate the presence of equine metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of laminitis, a serious hoof disorder that can affect mobility. Proper nutrition and careful management are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing related health issues.

Weight Maintenance

American Saddlebreds are often considered easy keepers and, like several other breeds, are prone to insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome. For this reason, it’s crucial for owners to closely monitor their horse’s body condition score and adjust the feeding plan if the horse starts to gain excessive weight.

While American Saddlebreds require more energy to maintain their body condition, high-energy, grain-based commercial feeds often contain elevated levels of sugar and starch, which can lead to digestive issues. Care should be taken to balance their diet appropriately to avoid these problems.

On the other hand, if your American Saddlebred struggles to maintain weight or begins losing weight, this could indicate underlying issues, such as poor digestive health or dental problems. In such cases, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian to determine the cause of the weight loss and adjust the horse's care accordingly.

Sample Diet

Sample Diet for a Mature American Saddlebred in Light Work with Normal Body Condition

Hay often lacks essential nutrients like amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, so it's important to provide a comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplement to ensure your American Saddlebred meets their nutritional needs. A well-balanced supplement can help support hoof health, energy metabolism, immune function, skin and coat quality, and gut health.

Opting for a supplement with no added sugars and a low feeding rate is an excellent choice, as it provides the nutrients typically missing in forage-only diets. This can be a better alternative to high-starch feeds, helping to maintain your horse's overall health without unnecessary caloric intake.

Forage

Forage is the cornerstone of every horse's diet, and an average 1,100-pound (500 kg) American Saddlebred at maintenance will require approximately 22 pounds (10 kg) of forage per day. Providing high-quality, free-choice forage supports digestive function and fulfills behavioral needs. Using a small-hole hay net can help slow down consumption, ensuring constant access to forage, which is beneficial for health.

American Saddlebreds generally do well on average-quality hay, though show horses may require higher-quality forage, such as mixed legume hay, to meet their additional energy and protein needs. Alfalfa is a commonly used legume hay for performance horses and has been shown to potentially reduce the risk of gastric ulcers due to its high calcium content, which helps buffer stomach acid.

For horses with metabolic syndrome, it’s crucial to test the forage to ensure that the ESC (sugar) + starch content is below 10%, though some horses may need an even lower threshold. Soaking hay with high sugar content is an effective way to reduce it.

Feeds & Concentrates

If your competition American Saddlebred requires additional energy, fat- and fiber-based feeds are a safe choice. Suitable options include:

Beet pulp
Hay cubes
Ground flax
Fat supplements

It’s best to avoid large amounts of high-starch concentrates, as these can disrupt the gut microbiota and lead to undesirable, hyperactive behavior. When feeding commercial grains or feeds, divide the daily ration into multiple smaller meals to minimize the risk of digestive issues.

Additional Recommendations

Always ensure your American Saddlebred has access to fresh, clean water and free-choice plain loose salt. Adding one to two ounces of salt to their daily ration will help meet sodium requirements.
Supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids can help manage inflammation related to joint conditions. Omega-3 supplements, along with Vitamin E, can support joint health, reduce inflammation, and promote a shiny coat, which is important for show horses.

For horses that require additional joint support, natural supplements like MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are beneficial in regulating inflammation and promoting bone and cartilage health.
Lastly, digestive health is vital for optimal performance. Saddlebreds benefit from gut-support supplements that maintain stomach and hindgut health, which are especially important for competition horses to ensure they perform at their best.

Conclusion

The American Saddlebred is a remarkable breed that combines beauty, history, and athletic prowess. From its colonial roots to its status as a top show horse, it exemplifies the spirit of American equestrian culture. While it faces certain health challenges, with proper management and care, the American Saddlebred can thrive both in competition and as a cherished companion.

FAQs

Q.What are the ideal living conditions for an American Saddlebred?

American Saddlebreds thrive in environments that provide ample turnout, access to quality forage, and regular interaction with humans and other horses. Daily exercise and a balanced training schedule are also crucial for their well-being.

Q.How can I determine if my American Saddlebred is at a healthy weight?

Regularly monitor your horse's body condition score and consult with a veterinarian to assess weight. Adjust feeding plans accordingly, ensuring a balance between energy intake and activity level.

Q.What types of disciplines can American Saddlebreds compete in?