Formerly known as the American Saddle Horse, the American Saddlebred is as much “America’s Horse” as is the Quarter Horse.
Long named the Peacock of the Show ring, the Saddlebred has always been a thrill to watch. My first opportunities to watch them were at the old Madison Square Garden in the ‘60s. And while the Saddlebred, as a registered breed, has been developed for the show ring from the beginning, it is far more versatile than it may appear.
Versatile
I grew up in a riding program on Long Island that was based on a combination of Chamberlin and Littauer. Jumping. Several of the horses were American Saddlebreds and I rode them frequently. They were solid over jumps, had lovely gaits and everyone of them was beautiful with an outstanding disposition. I think the Saddlebred disposition is one of it’s most awesome qualities.
One of the horses was the Long Island Professional Horseman’s Association Jumper of the Year multiple times. We also rode this same horse, Gingerbread, at summer camp and in weekly riding lessons. And while doing all of this, Gingerbread took another rider through try-outs for the United States Equestrian Team. Try-outs with the team were the basis of selection at that time.
History
I researched the American Saddlebred history through the 1908 Register of the American Saddle Horse Breeder’s Association.
Towards the end of the 18th century an easy gaited type of horse was developing and it was referred to as the American Horse. Breeders had been combining Thoroughbreds with the American Horse and pretty soon a clear type began to emerge. In the 1880s breeders began expressing interest in forming an organization for their horses and the American Saddle-Horse Breeder’s Association was formed in Louisville, Kentucky on April 7, 1891.
Godolphin Arabian
George Stubbs
Initial registry allowed horses that could perform the five gaits: walk, trot, rack, canter and either a running walk, fox trot, or slow gait. It also allowed the horse whose sire, grandsire, dam or grand dam was of the strains of blood recognized by the association. Mares that produced 2 or more performers and stallions that produced 5 or more performers could also be registered. And of course progeny of a horse that was already registered could be registered as well. Registration, or entry as it was referred to, was $1 for members and $2 for non members with transfers costing fifty cents each.
During the first register colors of horses were referred to with descriptions such as “satin” black, “cherry” red and dark dappled steel gray.
By the time the third and fourth registries came out, geldings could be registered on the merit of five gaits. Also, the progeny of mares recorded in the American Stud Book and by registered Saddle-Horse stallions were accepted into the registry. The purpose of the American Stud book was to record Thoroughbreds.
When considering breed registries, particularly in the U.S., keep in mind the young age of our country at the time. The American Stud
Eclipse
by George Stubbs Book for Thoroughbreds began in 1868 and in 1898, two years after the Jockey Club was formed, the Jockey Club took it over.Book for Thoroughbreds began in 1868 and in 1898, two years after the Jockey Club was formed, the Jockey Club took it over.
Book for Thoroughbreds began in 1868 and in 1898, two years after the Jockey Club was formed, the Jockey Club took it over.
Foundation
Fifteen horses were originally designated as foundation bloodlines in the American Saddle Horse Association Registry and three more were added in successive years. There was a variety of blood in these foundation horses ranging from Standardbred, Morgan, Thoroughbred and a few other interesting breeds.
By 1908 the association had determined that there was only one horse worthy of recognition as the foundation of the American Saddle Horse and that was a horse named Denmark, a brown 16 hand stallion, foaled in 1839. A little searching through Denmark’s pedigree revealed horses such as, Eclipse (a great grandson of Godolphin Arabian and a Great Great Grandson of the Darley Arabian), Symes Wildair (another Great Grandson of Godolphin Arabian), and many more with crosses to Leedes Arabian, Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian, and Byerly Turk. Even though I learned about three foundation horses of the Thoroughbred breed as a child (Darley Arabian, Godolphin Arabian and Byerly Turk) it was fun to see how they effected the Saddlebred Horse.
Denmark was a consistent race horse at 4 miles. The description of him says he was beautiful but his biggest achievement was his
Gaines Denmark
prepotency.
Civil War
Two of Denmark’s off spring, Gaines’ Denmark and John Willard, both stallions, served courageously in the Civil war in Gen. John Hunt Morgan’s command, known as Morgan’s Raiders. The American Saddle Horse was also ridden by Lee on Traveller, Grant on Cincinnati, Sherman rode Lexington, and Stonewall Jackson rode Little Sorrell. Grant’s horse, Cincinnati was said to have stood 17 hands tall and was recorded as a Thoroughbred. The American-Saddle horse was used in great numbers by the Confederate Cavalry during the Civil War and was also used by troops during the Mexican wars.
Post Civil War
The influence of the American Saddle Horse continued after the Civil War, as America expanded carrying settlers and explorers throughout the West. It’s popularity also grew because horse shows were a huge source of entertainment for the public. Rivalry between the American Saddle-Horse Breeders in Kentucky and Missouri became pretty fierce and Missourians adopted the slogan, “If Kentucky made the Saddle Horse, then Missouri made him better”.
Foundation Sires
In 1908 fifty five and a half percent of all the American Saddle Horses that were recorded in the Register had a direct male line to the Thoroughbred Denmark. And in 1991, at the ASHA Centennial, Harrison Chief was designated a foundation sire along with Denmark. Harrison Chief was well endowed with Thoroughbred blood through Messenger, multiple times in his bloodlines. Messenger sired good runners but was exceptional at siring horses who could trot at blazing speed. He was recognized as the most important foundation of the Standardbred breed. Messenger was a great great grandson of Godolphin Arabian two times and also carried the blood of Darley Arabian, Leedes Arabian, and Byerly Turk.
Movie Stars
The American Saddle Horse has only recently been referred to as the American Saddlebred, none the less this breed of horse played a big 
part in the settling, growth, development and leisure activities of America. Not only has the American Saddlebred entertained us in the show ring, we have watched the horse in the movies and on TV as they took lead roles in My Friend Flicka, Fury and versions of National Velvet and Black Beauty. The horse used in Gone With The Wind that Ashley Wilkes rode off to war was an American Saddlebred named Anacacho Rebel. And some of you will know Bamboo Harvester, the American Saddlebred cross that played everyone’s favorite talking horse, Mr. Ed.
Mr. Ed
Over the years we’ve watched them in parades and movies, and of course, the gaited show ring. They are beautiful when hitched for combined driving and are lovely in the dressage arena. They are bold and brave enough for cross country riding too. The Saddlebred is easy to handle and care for because their dispositions are naturally forgiving and stable. While they deserve the label Peacock of the Show Ring, the American Saddlebred is a very versatile breed.
Thanks for reading.
Barbara Ellin Fox
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