Champion show specimens are the popular image of an American Saddlebred. They have a high set tail, exaggerated prancing action, a partially roached mane and very wide eyes. However, most American Saddlebreds (ASBs) do not look like those in the show ring. Show ASBs often have their hooves grown long and their manes and tails set artificially. Regular ASBs still retain a certain flair, albeit a more subtle one than their ribbon-winning but artificially altered contemporaries.
The Head
It can be very difficult for the horse lover to pick out the American Saddlebred from a line of horses. The best way to spot the ASB is to look at the head. The ears are rather than a Morgan or Arab’s, but not as long as a mule’s. Their profiles are straight or slightly Roman-nosed and their foreheads often broad. Their eyes are often large, dark and look as if they are contemplating some mischief.
They often carry their heads very high, with their noses in the air. But they can be successfully trained to compete in dressage, which requires a collected, arched neck and in Western events, which requires a lower head set. Many horses need to be relaxed and confident in its rider in order to lower the head.
The Body
The build of a Saddlebred can vary from that of a sleek show jumper to a well-rounded and flexible warmblood. When placed next to a Thoroughbred, the ASB looks decidedly heavier and blockier. They give an appearance of strength as well as being a comfortable ride. Their necks tend to be on the long side, even for horses. Their spines are level, without the great upward slope seen on champion Quarter Horses or Thoroughbreds.
Saddlebreds come in just about every color in the equine rainbow, with the exception of silver dapple and Appaloosa spotted patterns. The most common colors are solid ones such as bay, chestnut, grey and black. They also come in pinto patterns, roans, buckskin and palomino. Their coats tend to feel silky when they are healthy, but they can grow a proper furry coat for winter, although it isn’t as shaggy as a Shetland pony’s.
ASBs give the impression of being the tallest horse in the world, but they aren’t. They usually range from 15 to 17 hands high and average 1100 pounds. They were bred to be an all-purpose riding and driving horse with flashy good looks and smooth strides. They have been a great influence on such breeds as the Morgan, the Tennessee Walker, the Standardbred and the National Show Horse.
The Tail
Looking at horse books, websites or horse shows, one gets the wrong impression that American Saddlebreds are born with very high-held tails. This tail set is similar but more exaggerated than an Arabian’s. They are not born with this kind of tail. They hold their tails long and low just like any other horse.
It used to be that horses would have to get their tails docked or endure a nicking operation in order to make the muscles hold the tail unnaturally high. Now, ASBs wear a tail set a few weeks before any class requiring a set tail. This is a brace that makes the muscles of the tail used to holding the tail at a high angle. Sometimes this does not work and the horse holds his tail straight out and level to the ground. Some ASBs wear false tails in order to give the appearance of a docked tail without having to go through the brace period.
Although ASBs are often thought of as show horses, they are first and foremost horses. They love people and are willing to please their people. ASBs today can be found in the movies, in the ranks of mounted police, in the dressage arena, out on the trail, pulling Amish buggies and doing just about anything asked of them. Many ASBs are gentle and sensible enough for children or inexperienced riders to learn on.
American Saddlebreds are also used in breeding programs for other breeds, including American sport horses, the National Show Horse and elegant mixed breed ponies for children.
Saddlebreds, with sensible care and a bit of luck, tend to be long lived and often reach past thirty years of age.
Resources:
“Storey’s Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America;” Judith Dutson; 2005.
“The International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds;” Bonnie Hendricks; 1995.
“The Ultimate Horse Book;” Elwyn Hartley-Edwards; 1991.
American Saddlebred Show Horse Equipment http://www.american-saddlebred.com/equipment/equipment.html
