The Spotted Saddle Horse is of saddle type, defined and registered by their colorful coat patterns that must meet specific characteristics.
\n<\/p>\n
Developed after the American Revolution using a foundation of gaited pinto ponies with Spanish bloodlines. These were selectively crossed with Morgan<\/a> and Standardbred<\/a> animals, attempting to increase size while retaining white patterns and gaits. After the Civil War, more gaited influence was added via Tennessee Walkers<\/a>, Missouri Fox Trotter<\/a>, Paso Fino<\/a> and Peruvian Paso<\/a>. <\/p>\n Their flashy coloring and smooth action made them grow in popularity and in 1979 the National Spotted Saddle Horse Association (NSSHA) was established. Focusing on promoting naturally gaited saddle horses with pinto white patterns. An emphasis was placed on humane practices, they firmly disallowed cruel training practices and action devices in their shows. <\/p>\n To register with NSSHA animals must display an ambling gait (they cannot trot) and possess a pinto white pattern. This registry is not as concerned with breed or bloodlines, animals must simply meet the two requirements above. Animals without clear spotting patterns can register, but only as breeding stock.<\/p>\n By 1985 the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders’ and Exhibitors’ Association (SSHBEA) was also founded. Their requirements are similar for color and gaits, but the studbook is semi-closed and at least one parent must be listed to register a foal. <\/p>\n Average height 14.3 – 16 hands<\/p>\n Head is medium in length and refined with a straight or slightly convex profile All colors but must possess pinto spotting patterns<\/a>.<\/p>\n SEven tempered and docile Show horse * all links open in a new window<\/small>NSSHA<\/h3>\n
SSHBEA<\/h3>\n
Features<\/h3>\n
Physique<\/h3>\n
\nEyes are soft and wide set
\nEars are long with curved tips
\nNeck is medium in length, muscular, carried high and slightly arched
\nShoulder is long and sloping
\nChest is medium in width and muscular
\nLegs are well muscled with wide, clean joints
\nHooves are proportionate and must be white with black striping<\/p>\nTraditional Colors<\/h3>\n
Temperament<\/h3>\n
\nFriendly and pleasant<\/p>\nUse<\/h3>\n
\nRiding horse<\/p>\nHelpful Links<\/h3>\n
\nSpotted Saddle Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association<\/a>
\nNational Spotted Saddle Horse Association<\/a><\/p>\nVideo<\/h3>\n