RARE BREEDS TRUST OF AUSTRALIA
powered by TidyHQHorses : American Saddlebred
Horses : American Saddlebred
Country of Origin 
Kentucky, United States of America
Australian Status
International Status
Safe in its home country.
Uses
Hacking, pleasure, jumping, endurance, driving, dressage, police mount.
Breed Traits
A handsome, upstanding horse distinguished by high action. 15 to 16 hands. All colours are permitted, solid colours being more numerous. Characteristics:
- 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).
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.
History in Australia
Arrived in Australia 1977
Breed organisation
American Saddlebred and Sport Horse Registries of Australasia Inc. Email assra.secretary@gmail.com
Australian Population
2017: Mares 30.
2022: Stallions 5; Mares 30 estimated. Estimated total 55.
2025: Stallions 12; Mares 50
Additional Notes
There is an active facebook group, "Saddlebred Horses In Australia." https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551494721444
An excellent initiative in Australia is that all stallions registered with UAHA must be tested free of JEB (Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa).
Photo credit
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 and January 2025
