~ About the American Saddlebred ~
The Saddlebred breed first originated in the 18th centruy, where the hardy Narraganset Pacer was crossed with English thoroughbreds. The offspring inherited the size of the thoroughbred and the wonderful gaits and stamina of the Pacer. By 1976, this cross was being called the American Horse and it was being recognised as a breed.
During the 1800's, the American Horse ventured into Kentucky with the settlers, then on into surrounding states, and became the foundation of cavalry in various wars.
In the mid to late 1980's, due to recognition of the popularity and value of the Saddlebred (as it was commonly beginning to be known), many breeders and interested parties began to call for the formation of a breed associtiaon and registery. Pedigrees were compiled and and rules formated. On April 7, 1891, a meeting was called for the purpose of the formation of a breed associtiaon and registery for the Saddlebred and the registery was established that day! It was the first breed association in the USA.
By the 1900's the Saddlebred was a firmly established breed. The World's Grand Championship began in 1917. The road was paved for the great horses who dominate our bloodlines even now.
Some Important early sires:
- Gaines' Denmark 1851 (also known as Black Denmark) Sired by the thoroughbred Denmark and whose dam was a natural gaited mare. He established the Denmark Family of American Saddlebreds
- Harrison Chief 1872 - the Chief family
- Rex McDonald 1890 (Rex Denmark x Lucy Mack) Very good early show horse and very much in the public eye. Article
- Bourbon King 1900 (Bourbon Chief x Anne C) In the sire line of both Wing Commander and Supreme Sultan. He lived to 30 years of age and was a great progenitor of the Chief Family. Through the two grand get of his mentioned, this line is nearly all-dominating the Saddlebred breed. Article
Characterisitcs & Colour
Uses
During the 1800's, the American Horse ventured into Kentucky with the settlers, then on into surrounding states, and became the foundation of cavalry in various wars.
In the mid to late 1980's, due to recognition of the popularity and value of the Saddlebred (as it was commonly beginning to be known), many breeders and interested parties began to call for the formation of a breed associtiaon and registery. Pedigrees were compiled and and rules formated. On April 7, 1891, a meeting was called for the purpose of the formation of a breed associtiaon and registery for the Saddlebred and the registery was established that day! It was the first breed association in the USA.
By the 1900's the Saddlebred was a firmly established breed. The World's Grand Championship began in 1917. The road was paved for the great horses who dominate our bloodlines even now.
Some Important early sires:
- Gaines' Denmark 1851 (also known as Black Denmark) Sired by the thoroughbred Denmark and whose dam was a natural gaited mare. He established the Denmark Family of American Saddlebreds
- Harrison Chief 1872 - the Chief family
- Rex McDonald 1890 (Rex Denmark x Lucy Mack) Very good early show horse and very much in the public eye. Article
- Bourbon King 1900 (Bourbon Chief x Anne C) In the sire line of both Wing Commander and Supreme Sultan. He lived to 30 years of age and was a great progenitor of the Chief Family. Through the two grand get of his mentioned, this line is nearly all-dominating the Saddlebred breed. Article
Characterisitcs & Colour
Uses