The handsome bearing and smooth strides of American Saddlebred Horses is a product purely of the American South. Developed as a stylish-but-comfy mount for plantation owners and later for the show ring.
A Little Backstory
During 17th century colonization, a variety of horse types were imported in the United States. The Saddlebred foundation started with imported Scottish Galloway Ponies and Irish Hobby Horses. Both breeds known for their natural gaits and handsome conformation.
Later in the 18th century, newly imported English Thoroughbred blood was added to heavier pacer types for refinement without sacrificing speed. The result was called the American Horse and used during the Revolutionary War. Afterwards a number of them were brought to Kentucky, where they became popular with plantation owners. Later they were used again in the Civil War, Confederate mounts were almost all of American Horse type. After the war, breeding objectives changed from the battlefield to the show ring. Large, strong war horses slowly developed into the highly refined mounts we know them as today.
General Lee’s horse, Traveller
General Grant’s horse, Cincinnati
What Makes Them Special
This breed is a veteran of two American wars and their tireless service brought them acclaim. In fact, General Lee and General Grant’s favorite horses were both Saddlebred (and handsome fellas at that). Regardless of what this particular war represents, the mounts on either side were innocent of politics, they just did their job because it was asked of them. To learn more about them, be sure to check out the American Saddlebred breed page.
Quick Facts
Native to the United States.
American Saddlebred Horse Association was established in 1891.
Listed in the DAD-IS and as of 2012 there were 1805 animals registered.