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 The American Saddlebred was traditionally known as the
Kentucky Saddler, and originated in the areas around Kentucky in the nineteenth
century. Originally developed by the pioneers of Kentucky, they were bred to be
all-around versatile utility horses using a cross primarily of Narraganssett
Pacer and Canadian Pacer, both of which are now extinct. The American Saddlebred
also exhibits traits from the breeds of Morgan, Hackney, and Thoroughbred blood.
They are, perhaps, the most famous of gaited horse breeds and have acquired much
of their reputation through showing.
 They are judged under two groupings-one for
five-gaited horses and one for three-gaited horses. In both instances, the gaits
are very exaggerated and flashy which, combined with the artificial tail-nicking
to produce very high tail carriage, have occasionally deflected from the
versatility of the American Saddlebred. For showing purposes they are shod with
very heavy shoes and overgrown horn to accentuate the action of the feet and
legs- and this, combined with some of the training methods used on these horses,
has causes concern in some circles.
The Saddlebred is a very useful and
versatile horse. They have excellent temperaments and are very willing and calm
as well as energetic with good stamina and endurance. They make wonderful trail
riding horse and are used for pleasure and trail riding, for hunting with
hounds, and for farm and ranch work, going very well in harness.
Characteristically, the American Saddlebred has great presence and spirit, with
an extravagant action. Some of them are trained to show in five different gaits:
walk, trot, canter, slow gait, and the rack, which is a 'full speed ahead'
movement.
 Typically they have small, quality heads set on a muscular neck, which
is set high on the shoulders to aid the elevating action. They also boast a
broad chest, a well-sprung rib cage, and a level croup with the tail well set
and nicked to produce and exaggeratingly high carriage. These beautiful horses
tend to stand with the front thrust forward and stright-hocked behind. Their
legs are slender and long, with well-defined tendons and sloping pasterns. Any
solid color is permissible, although the predominant color is chestnut. American
Saddlebreds tend to stand between 15 and 16 hands high.
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