History of the American Saddlebred

The American Saddlebred is the horse America made...

...however it is not without its’ roots which can be traced all the way to the British Isles. During the mid-1600’s, English Colonist’s imported the Galloway and Hobby horses from their native lands of Scotland and Ireland to bring them to the new world. These horses were small, hardy horses and possessed a gait which was comfortable to ride, characteristics that were highly valued by the Colonists. In the Middle Ages the Vikings had carried these same breeds of horses to Iceland whose progeny still live there today. The outcome of their breeding created the Icelandic horse, which is known for their very fast and pure rack.

By 1650, breeders from Virginia and Rhode Island, through selective breeding had created a saddle horse which became known as the Narragansett Pacer. Due to its’ great strength, endurance, mild temperament and it’s easy riding gaits it became the most popular mount in all the colonies. In 1706, the first Thoroughbreds were imported and Colonists began crossing Narragansett mares with Thoroughbred stallions. The results were a larger, more refined animal which still retained the easy gaits and became known as the American horse.

In 1839, Denmark, a Thoroughbred stallion was foaled in Kentucky. He sired Gaines Denmark who established the Denmark Family of American Saddlebreds. Over half of the first registered Saddlebreds can be traced back to Gaines Denmark. On April 8, 1891, the National Saddle Horse Breeders’ Association was formed in Louisville, Kentucky. It was the first horse breed association in the U.S.

The following year 14 Foundation Sires were named and by 1899 there were 17 and the registry’s name became the American Saddle Horse Breeder’s Association. In 1902 the registry reduced the recognized foundation sires down to 10. Six years later, 55% of registered Saddle Horses were traced to Denmark and he was designated the Foundation Sire and from then on became known as Denmark F.S. Foaled in 1872, Harrison Chief was a registered Trotting Horse, though his get frequently possessed the saddle gaits. In 1991 Harrison Chief was granted the designation of a foundation sire, along with Denmark. Both Denmark and Chief can be traced back to the Thoroughbred, Blaze.

The Denmark line was known for their refinement, beauty and fast and graceful gaits. The Chief line was known for size, boldness and power. During the early 20th century, by crossing the two lines, breeders established the modern Saddlebred.

«« back