Buyer question
Is an American Saddlebred horse good for beginners?
It can be: our Animal Library rates the American Saddlebred horse 3 out of 5 for beginners (show horses run hot).
Source: the American Saddlebred horse page in the Everybarn Animal Library. American Saddlebred horse in the Animal Library
The detail
A Kentucky-bred horse known for high-headed elegance and, in five-gaited horses, the slow gait and rack. Saddlebreds are spirited, people-oriented and versatile, and their show image belies a gentle, curious nature.
- Temperament
- Spirited, curious, kind
- Best fit
- Saddle seat, driving, trail
- Trainability
- 4 out of 5 (Bright and people-led)
- Upkeep
- 3 out of 5 (Show shoeing if shown)
- Energy
- 4 out of 5 (Animated and alert)
What to weigh
Show-trained Saddlebreds can be hot and need specialist shoeing and handling. The breed carries an inherited skin disease and a known tendency to swayback.