American Saddlebred

In 1970 the first American Saddlebred herd was imported into Australia in order to establish a national breeding program.

This herd of 14 horses grew quickly and now the American Saddlebred breed is quite common in Australia.

These horses were originally bred to be a versatile all round work horse interchangeably able to carry a mount or pull carriages. Some horses are known to have extreme speed with the straight and smooth action required in the various equine gaited events.

American Saddlebreds are large horses that stand between 15 and 16 hands high. They are generally known to be a compact and strong, sound, easy to train horse which also has considerable stamina and endurance. Being quite gentle, they are fun to ride giving the rider the impression of flying.

They weigh between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds and vary in color from bay, chestnut, black or gray. Their head is well shaped with large eyes set wide apart and small ears. Saddlebreds have well formed feet and clean legs with strong muscles in the quarters.

With proper training these horses can adapt to almost any task either on the farm or in the show ring. Their versatility is likely the single most important characteristic that has caused them to be so widely and quickly accepted in Australia.