For sheer appearances, there is no horse breed that can really compete with the flashy style of the American Saddlebred. This is yet another horse breed with its origins in the American horse culture, another breed specifically created for its appropriateness on certain terrains that make up part of the continent.

History

The first Saddlebreds appeared in the 18^th century, when a few colonists began crossing the Narragansett pacer with the English Thoroughbred. Pacers were another breed specific to the Americas, bred for their hardiness as well as their riding comfort.

As colonist expanded, the terrain between the colonies became easier to traverse, and thus the need for the hardier horses was diminished. People began looking for cleaner lines in their horses, thus the Thoroughbred genes were brought in.

Thoroughbreds also brought size and durability to the Pacer lines. In 1776, the breed was officially recognized as the American Horse, noted for its size, stamina, and the comfort it offered to riders.

All of these qualities would come into play into the increasing numbers of these horses, which were highly sought after as cavalry mounts. In fact, it is believed that the American Horse was one of the decisive factors in the Revolutionary War, with the farmers and frontiersman in the irregular cavalry regularly defeating the British mounted troops.

American Horses came with pioneers into the Kentucky Valley in the 1800s, and the state quickly proved to be the perfect breeding ground for these and other horse breeds. They continued to play an important role in combat, particularly for generals looking for a horse that could not only endure, but look great in battle as well.

The Saddlebred was particularly popular on the south eastern plantations, thanks to its sure footedness and its quick pace. In fact, it was the main horse of the Confederate army during the American Civil War because of the numerous numbers in the south. Some historians claim that if Grant had not allowed Lee’s men to keep their horses at his surrender, the breed would have ceased to exist.

Today, the American Saddlebred as it is known is nicknamed the Peacock of the Horse World. Without doubt, it is one of the most elegant breeds of horse out there, as it is a flashy and high stepping animal. That eye catching manner means that these horses are popular in movies and on television as well as at horse shows all over the continent.

Characteristics

The Saddlebred is perhaps the best proportioned of all the American breeds. Withers, head, shoulders, and legs are all well defined. Saddlebreds have strong backs and large wide set eyes. They give the impression of being constantly alert.

Saddlebacks are also noted for their ability to learn several different paces. In addition to the walk, trot, and canter, they can also learn the slow gait and the rack. They can be found in dressage competitions, western riding, jumping, and fine harness competitions in the United States and in Canada.