Horses : AMERICAN SADDLEBRED

Origin: Kentucky, United States of America 

Australian Status:

International Status: SAFE popular in its home country.

Arrived in Australia: 1977

Australian Population: 2017: 60, 30 mares. 

2022 population: 5 registered stallions, thanks you to UAHA for reply.  They were unable to provide mare numbers.
Estimated mare population 30. Estimated total 55. 

HIstory: American horses bred for riding became very stylish, known for striking looks and a  distinct gait. Breeders in Kentucky and Missouri competed for the best. A studbook was started in  Kentucky which gave the breed a name. Thoroughbreds and gaited breeds such as the  Narragansett and Hobie and those with exaggerated action such as Hackneys. contributed to its  genesis. Many were known for a fast smooth gait comfortable for travellers.

Breed Traits: A handsome, upstanding horse distinguished by high action. 15 to 16 hands. All  colours are permitted, solid colours being more numerous. Large expressive eyes, straight nose,  large nostrils. An air of distinction. Defined wither.  Level croup with tail carried high. Full mane and  tail. Some have 5 gaits, some 3 gaits. At the halt, back legs are set back in the manner thought  ideal of quality horses in the nineteenth century, so the horse stands over a lot of ground. Upright  neck which flexes more at the poll than the crest. A recessive congenital problem in some lines  is Lordosis (swayback).

 Uses: Hacking, pleasure, jumping, endurance, driving, dressage, police mount.

 Breed organisation: American Saddlebred and Sport Horse Registeries of Australasia Inc. Email  assra.secretary@gmail.com

Additional Notes: There is a good active facebook group, "Saddlebred Horses In Australia."
An excellent initiative in Australia is that all stallions registered with UAHA must be tested free of JEB (Junctiional Epidermolysis Bullosa).

Photo:  American Saddlebred in Australia - Dreamers Midnight Commander IMP USA. 16'3". Owned by Mark and Lise Graber, G. Macintosh photographer. Kindly supplied by Lise Gaber.

Page by Janet Lane.
Updated January 2024

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