American Saddlebred

Lisa Selvaggio
By

Lisa Selvaggio

. Reviewed by Kaela Schraer, DVM
Updated Jan. 14, 2025
American Saddlebred horse herd

slowmotiongli/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

In This Article

Overview

The American Saddlebred horse breed dates back to the 1700s, when colonists crossed the horse breed Narragansett Pacer with the Thoroughbred. However, it wasn’t until 1891, when the American Saddlebred Horse Association was created, that the American Saddlebred was recognized as a distinct breed.

In the past, American Saddlebreds were used in war and on farms and plantations. Today, these horses are valued for their versatility, beauty, and demeanor. Keep reading to learn about American Saddlebred characteristics, health concerns, and more.

American Saddlebred Snapshot

  • Height: 15.1 to 16.3 hands (60.4 to 65.2 inches)

  • Weight: 1,000 to 1,200 pounds

  • Lifespan: 25 to 35 years

  • Colors: Most common are chestnut, bay, brown, black, gray, pinto, or palomino; can have white markings

Caring for an American Saddlebred

American Saddlebred horses aren’t difficult to care for. However, be sure that athletes and show horses are given the right diet and the proper amount of rest between exercise and competitions—doing so can help reduce the risk of injuries.

American Saddlebreds can be prone to certain medical conditions, including those that are genetically inherited. As with all other breeds, preventive veterinary and farrier care are necessary.

American Saddlebred Health Issues

Like all breeds, American Saddlebreds can develop health problems with age. These horses are also prone to genetic conditions. And if they’re used in equestrian sports or shows, they could end up with health issues involving their joints and hooves.

Below are some of the health concerns that may affect the American Saddlebred breed.    

Hock or Stifle Lameness

The hock, which is in the hind leg, is similar to the human ankle. It is made up of four joints, and it’s also known as the tarsus. The hock is responsible for flexion and extension, as well as shock absorption.

Hock lameness can develop from repetitive movements or excessive use, such as during training and showing. It can also be caused by osteochondritis dissecans, injuries, fractures, arthritis, and bone cysts.

Hock lameness may cause symptoms including:

  • Swelling or heat in the hock

  • Shifting weight while standing

  • Stiffness

  • Soreness 

  • Difficulty going downhill

  • Reacting when you try to pick up the horse’s hind leg

The stifle is in the hind leg of a horse, and is similar to the human knee. It is also the biggest joint in a horse’s body, and it can be affected by overuse or repetitive movements. Other causes include osteochondrosis, trauma, bone cysts, and meniscal tears.

Stifle lameness can lead to symptoms such as:

  • Shortened stride

  • Dragging of the toe

  • Reluctance to work

  • Difficulty walking up and down hills or backing up

  • Difficulty going from canter to trot or trot to canter

  • Soreness

Rest along with medications (Banamine, Bute) prescribed by a veterinarian can help your horse recover from hock lameness and stifle lameness. Joint injections may be recommended dependent on the underlying cause.

These conditions may be prevented with exercises that strengthen the muscles around joints, and by keeping your horse at a healthy weight.

Sidebone

Sidebone is a hardening of the cartilage plates in the hooves. American Saddlebreds have a high step that creates a lot of force and impact, so they can be susceptible to this problem.

Sidebone may not cause any symptoms or lameness, and a veterinarian might diagnose this ailment with X-rays. Sometimes the bone can become so large it distorts the hoof capsule/coronary band. These issues don't usually become a problem unless they're so large they interfere with movement or they fracture.

However, your horse may feel pain when touched if the sidebone is fractured, such as when a veterinarian examines them.

If sidebone causes lameness, it can typically be treated with rest and medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).

Ringbone

Ringbone affects the coffin and pastern joints. Low ringbone will impact the coffin joint, while high ringbone will impact the pastern.

Ringbone is an arthritic disease, so it’s progressive and degenerative. It can be caused by wear and tear, injury, osteochondrosis, infection, or bone cysts.

Symptoms of ringbone in horses include:

  • Lameness

  • Swelling

  • Pain when the joint is flexed

Exercise and activity modifications, as well as medications like anti-inflammatories are good treatment options. Your veterinarian will determine what course of action is best to give your horse relief.  

Lordosis

Also known as swayback, lordosis causes a horse to have a dip in their spine because the ligaments along the back are weak. It can develop with age or be inherited, in which case younger American Saddlebreds can be affected.

Lordosis can also occur when a mare has had multiple pregnancies.

Typically, horses who have mild to moderate lordosis can still perform well. However, those with a severe case can develop lameness or have problems with their back because this condition affects the tendons, ligaments, and vertebrae of the spine.

Horses with lordosis can be ridden, but it’s critical to use the correct saddle that fits properly and is comfortable. Exercises that strengthen the topline muscles are also beneficial, such as carrot stretches and shortening and lengthening exercises.

Junctional Epidermolysis Bullosa (JEB)

American Saddlebred horses may genetically inherit junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) , which is also known as red foot disease, epitheliogenesis imperfecta (EI), and hairless foal syndrome. It causes foals to have fragile skin.

Symptoms can be present at birth or develop shortly after birth. Foals develop skin blisters that progress into lesions on pressure points and continue to worsen. Sloughing (shedding) of the hooves may also occur.  

Unfortunately, JEB is incurable, and humane euthanasia may be the only option because foals usually die from infection. However, this condition may be prevented with DNA testing of breeding stock to prevent it from being passed on to offspring.

What To Feed an American Saddlebred

American Saddlebred horses are easy keepers, meaning they can gain weight easily and develop weight-related problems.

As a general rule, you can feed a horse about 2% of their body weight in forage daily. For example, a horse weighing 1,000 pounds would get about 20 pounds of forage throughout the day. Performance or competition horses need more nutrients and calories.   

Feed options for American Saddlebreds include:

  • Mixed legume hay

  • Grains

  • Alfalfa hay

  • Ground flax

  • Beet pulp

Horses also need salt and access to fresh water.

Work with your veterinarian to come up with a diet based on your horse’s activity level, age, and whether or not they perform—this will help ensure you’ll give them the energy they need without unwanted weight gain.

Your veterinarian might also recommend adding certain supplements to your horse’s diet, such as vitamins and minerals to ensure all nutrient needs are met, healthy fats to support joint health, and other supplements to target particular health concerns.   

American Saddlebred Disciplines

American Saddlebreds are powerful performers and are renowned in the saddle seat discipline. They are impressive and look great with their attractive posture and five gaits. These horses can perform the walk, canter, and trot, as well as the rack and slow gait. 

The American Saddlebred horse excels in a variety of disciplines, such as:

  • Saddle seat 

  • Driving

  • Eventing

  • Pleasure riding

  • Endurance riding

  • Ranch riding

  • Dressage

  • Hunter/Jumper

In addition to competing, the versatile American Saddlebred makes a lovely companion horse for leisurely trail riding, and can also be used for farm work or carriage pulling. 

A team of saddlebred pintos pull a carriage in the snow
A team of Saddlebred pintos pull a carriage in the snow.Photo by sierrarat/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images via Getty Images

American Saddlebred Personality and Temperament

Every horse is one-of-a-kind, but American Saddlebred horses are generally known for being eager to please, loyal, and willing to learn and work. They’re also curious, sensitive, and friendly, as well as courageous, confident, and intelligent. 

Saddlebreds may bond strongly with their owners, riders, and trainers. These horses are a pleasure to work with and handle, whether you’re training them to compete in an American Saddlebred horse show or using them for riding as a hobby. 

American Saddlebred horses make great family companions and they can also be good for riders of all levels, including beginners and children.

American Saddlebred Training

American Saddlebred horses are intelligent, alert, and eager to please, so they aren’t challenging to train. Whether you want to train your horse for the show ring, want your horse to perform new gaits, or you want a calm companion horse for riding, the key is to be consistent and patient.

Positive reinforcement training will also help you develop a strong bond with your horse.

When training an American Saddlebred, keep the horse engaged and interested by providing variety that prevents boredom. This could be as simple as taking your horse on different trails or incorporating new exercises often so they aren’t doing the same things all the time.  

American Saddlebred Grooming Guide

All horses benefit from a grooming routine that keeps their skin, coat, and hooves healthy. You can use the same techniques to groom your American Saddlebred that you use for other horses. 

In addition to being a great time for bonding with your horse, grooming sessions allow you to look for symptoms that need veterinary attention (e.g., signs of skin conditions like warts, ringworm, and rain rot). 

Coat Care

Use high-quality horse grooming tools, including a curry comb, dandy brush, shedding blade, mane and tail brush, and body brush, to get the best results and make the experience relaxing for your horse.

Focus on gently detangling and combing the mane and tail, in addition to brushing through the coat to remove dirt, debris, and loose hairs. Some people also braid the mane for easier maintenance.

If your horse competes in the show ring, you might opt to clip their tail and roach their mane. Between events, you could use a mud knot to keep the tail clean.

Hoof Care

A horse’s hooves should be checked and cleaned daily to remove debris that ends up stuck in them from everyday activities. Use a top-quality durable hoof pick to gently clean the hooves. Always look for signs of problems like hoof abscesses that require veterinary care. 

Hire a professional farrier to examine the hooves on a regular basis. They can shoe your horse and ensure the hooves are healthy and balanced to help prevent injuries and pain, especially in horses who perform.

American Saddlebred FAQs

What are American Saddlebred horses used for?

American Saddlebred horses are used in a range of disciplines. They can be trained for shows and competitions in saddle seat, dressage, riding, and more. They’re also good family companions and farm workers.

Is a Tennessee Walker a Saddlebred?

No, the Tennessee Walker (also known as the Tennessee Walking Horse) is a separate breed from the American Saddlebred. However, the American Saddlebred is one of several breeds that makes up the Tennessee Walking Horse. Also, like the Saddlebred, the Tennessee Walker is a gaited breed.

How much does an American Saddlebred cost?

American Saddlebred prices vary based on a variety of factors, such as the horse’s age, bloodline, health, level of training, and level of experience in the competitive world. Prices can also vary based on location.

On average, American Saddlebred horses cost $10,000 or less, but some performance horses might cost closer to $100,000.

How can you tell if a horse is a Saddlebred?

Some of the distinguishing features of an American Saddlebred horse include:

  • Sculpted and muscular body

  • Large eyes

  • Forward ears

  • High-set tail

  • Short back

  • Slim, long, and arched neck

Saddlebreds are high-stepping and can perform up to give gaits: walk, trot, canter, slow gait, and rack.


Lisa Selvaggio

WRITTEN BY

Lisa Selvaggio

Freelance Writer


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