Once in America, these breeds were found to be useful and selective breeding programs began. One of the results was a superior quality animal called the Narraganset Pacer<\/a> (developed in Rhode Island and Virginia). <\/p>\n As with many North American breeds, the introduction of Thoroughbred<\/a> blood was inevitable in Saddlebred lineage. The first Thoroughbreds were imported to the American colonies early the 18th century, where they provided a dose of refinement and speed to the Pacers. The result of this mix became its own type, called the American Horse – combining the best elements of both foundation breeds. <\/p>\n The American horse was used in the Revolutionary War and afterwards a large number were brought to Kentucky to be used as seed stock. After the war, saddle horses were in high demand in Kentucky and they played a large role in the settlement of the upper Ohio Valley. As they spread, animals from a variety of southern states contributed to their bloodlines. <\/p>\n During the Civil War, their tireless service earned them acclaim as a breed. Confederate animals were almost exclusively of this American-type stock – many of the famous Generals rode American horses into battle. <\/p>\n After the Civil War, horse owners began to enter the show ring with their showy saddle horses. Breeding began to change as needs changed, saddle horses didn’t need to be bred strong for battle anymore, breeding priority quickly became refinement for show.<\/p>\n In 1891 the National Saddle Horse Breeders Association was formed, making it the first national association for an American-developed horse breed. In 1899 the organization changed their name to the American Saddle Horse Breeders Association to clarify the breed’s name as the American Saddle horse, rather than just the Saddle horse. <\/p>\n After WWI some American Saddlebreds were exported to South Africa and today they are the most popular non-racing breed in the country. During the 20th century the breed has grown even more in popularity and breeding has continued by enthusiasts (including William Shatner) for a variety of purposes from the show ring to pleasure riding. <\/p>\n Average height 15 – 16 hands Head is finely chiseled with a lean, smooth jaw All colors<\/a> are acceptable.<\/p>\n Even temper Saddle horses *All links open in a new window<\/small>Introducing Thoroughbred<\/h3>\n
War Horse<\/h3>\n
The Show Ring Dictates<\/h3>\n
Modern American Saddlebred<\/h3>\n
Features<\/h3>\n
\nBeautiful and stylish
\nGaits are easy with a high, true, smooth action<\/p>\nPhysique<\/h3>\n
\nEyes are bright and set wide apart
\nEars are sharp and dainty
\nNeck is medium and arched
\nShort, strong backs
\nCompact body with deep girth
\nTail is high set, proudly carried and flowing
\nClean, flat-boned and very straight legs
\nWell-formed feet<\/p>\nTraditional Colors<\/h3>\n
Temperament<\/h3>\n
\nWilling and intelligent
\nSmart and obedient
\nFriendly and gentle<\/p>\nUse<\/h3>\n
\nShow horses
\nPleasure riding horses
\nWork horses<\/p>\nHelpful Links<\/h3>\n
\nAmerican Saddlebred Horse Association<\/a>
\nAmerican Saddlebred Horse Association of Canada<\/a>
\nAmerican Saddlebred Horse Museum<\/a><\/p>\nMore Images<\/h3>\n
![\"American](\"\/images\/american-saddlebred.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n![\"American](\"\/images\/american-saddlebred-horse-2.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nVideo<\/h3>\n