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Beautiful Horse Breed – American Saddlebred


Blog Post, Horsemanship / Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Meet The Saddlebred – The Horse America Made!

 

American Saddlebred Horse
American Saddlebred Horse

The American Saddlebred became a recognized breed evolving from the Kentucky Saddler to the Saddle Horse in the 1800s. This breed was created combining Thoroughbred and Trotting Horse foundation sires that crossed with Canadian Pacers, Hackneys and Morgan Horses.  By the mid-1800s, the Kentucky Saddler had come to be called the Saddlebred, and was one of the most popular breeds in the East.

Civil War Horses

When the Civil War began in 1861, Saddlebreds carried soldiers and generals into the fighting. General Robert E. Lee’s  horse “Traveller” is legendary. During the Battle of Spotsylvania, a Union cannonball was fired, and Traveller, Lee’s horse, reacted by rearing up, causing the cannonball to pass harmlessly underneath him!

 

horse
General Robert E. Lee & Traveller

There is controversy about General Grant’s horse who was named Cincinnati. Some say he was a Saddlebred, others a Thoroughbred…what do you think?

General Ulysses S. Grant & horse Cincinnati
General Ulysses S. Grant & Cincinnati

The breed’s involvement in the war was of great importance, both during and after the conflict. Historians believe the Saddlebred was valuable in helping the South recover from the war. 

Hollywood Horses

horse
Highland Dale AKA “Fury”

One of Hollywood’s most prolific equine stars was Highland Dale. He starred in one of the many versions of “Black Beauty”. He continued acting for the silver screen in “Gypsy Colt”, “Giant”, “Wild is the Wind”, “The Return of Wildfire”, and many others movie and TV roles. Highland Dale won Pasty Awards, which are given to the animals as Oscars are to people. The horse won awards for his roles in “Wild is the Wind”, “Gypsy Colt” and “Fury”.

Black Beauty

 

horse movie

 

Movie "Fury"

Gone With The Wind

Ashley Wilkes (played by Leslie Howard) to rode off to the Civil War on was a 3-gaited show horse named Anacacho Rebel.

Star Trek Generations

Star Trek Appreciation Society - William Shatner on the set of "Star Trek: Generations" #ThrowbackThursday 🖖 | Facebook

William Shatner With “Great Bells of Fire” 

And Who Could Forget”

On With The Show!

Saddlebreds are known for their elegant appearance and smooth gaits. Sometimes referred to as the “peacock of the horse world,” they are popular in the show ring, and parade route. They excel in combined driving, dressage, endurance, eventing, western dressage, jumping, and more. The American Saddlebred is the perfect horse for the whole family to enjoy as companions and trail horses as well! 

American Saddlebred

 

American Saddlebreds have slim, arched necks and graceful ears, with large eyes and alert expressions that enhance their elegant appearance. Their heads should be well-shaped with a straight profile.

The ideal Saddlebred has a well-portioned body, sloping shoulders, well-sprung ribs, defined withers, a strong back, a level croup, and correct legs. Most Saddlebreds also have a high tail carriage, adding to their characteristic look.

Height: 15-17 hands

Weight: 900-1,000 lbs.

Color: American Saddlebred can have any coat color, including pinto.

Saddlebreds are gaited horses. The Three-Gaited horse walk, trots, and canters.

Three Gaited horse "Macadamia"
Three -Gaited horse “Macadamia”

The Five-Gated horse, performs these in addition to the Slow Gait and Rack.

Five- Gaited Saddlebred “Courageous Lord” performing the Rack

They compete in five primary divisions: Five-Gaited, Three-Gaited, Fine Harness, Park and Pleasure. In these divisions they are judged on performance, manners, presence, quality and conformation.

Sensitive and Intelligent

kids with horses

Saddlebreds are great with children, and make wonderful members of the family!

horses
For More Information visit The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association

 

Personal Experience

My first horse was an American Saddlebred “Odds Golddigger” affectionately known as “Wimsey.” He was My Heart Horse!

Saddlebred
Wimsey

His sire was World Grand Champion “Superior Odds.”

show horse
Superior Odds

I was taught to ride by a wonderful horsewoman, Harriet Himmelstine, of Riverview Valley Stables in Pittsburgh.

lady on a horse
Harriet Himmelstine

 

Although showing was never my big dream, I did make the rounds in some local shows.

 

lady on horse
Pleasure Class
Cowgirl on horse
Western Division

But more than anything, Wimsey was a friend and companion.

lady and girl on a horse
Daughter Rebecca, Wimsey & me

To read his whole amazing story, see my post “Heart Horse.” I had another wonderful adventure learning to drive with a horse I called “Lovejoy.” Looks like I was having fun!

horse and carrige
Lovejoy & me!

Life Moved On…

And so did these wonderful horses. Which brings me to my current Saddlebred “Next Sunday” AKA “The Duke of Denver.”

woman on a horse
“Denver” & me!

Denver and I have been together for over twenty years, and have experienced some good times, and some not so good times. We’ve been through injuries, colic, and we are currently fighting Limes Disease, (which at first was thought to be cancer!) So, if he’s taught me anything it’s strength, perseverance and trust in God.  I call him “MY Miracle.” I’ll keep you posted!

Rebecca & Janet Winters
Rebecca & Janet Winters

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