The American Saddlebred Horse
Versatility at Work and Play
Forged from the fire of Civil War battlefields, with nerves of steel and a heart as big as the great nation from which it grew, the American Saddlebred has weathered many a storm in its long history. Long acknowledged as the greatest show horse in the world, the American Saddlebred is somehow less recognized for its versatility demonstrated by the work the breed has done and continues to do to this day. This page is a photographic reflection on the breed's diversity both past and present.
When there were no 'War Horses' in America, there was a Saddlebred.
General Robert E. Lee aboard his Saddlebred - Traveller
General John Hunt Morgan aboard his Saddlebred
When there were no ranch or stock horses, long before there was a Quarter horse, there was a Saddlebred.
Leslie Mohme aboard 'Dusty' (ABOVE and RIGHT) whose many wins include:
  • 1st place (saddle winner) in Youth 3-D NBHA District TX-28
  • 2005 NBHA Youth World Championship, placed 116th out of 500 at NBHA Youth World.
  • 2005 3rd PlaceYouth 3-D NBHA District TX-28
  • qualified for 2006 NBHA Youth World Championship.
Leslie has been accepted to the Equine Science program at William Woods and has to date earned $8,000 in scholarship money toward college.
When there were no dressage horses in America and long before European imports of the same, there were Tom Bass and Belle Beach, Saddlebred, entertaining Presidents and English Royalty.
Tom Bass aboard Belle Beach (ABOVE)
Roxanne Cain (ABOVE AND LEFT) with her owner/rider Ann Ellis.
When Kentucky thoroughbred breeders preferred sprinters to stayers, their large hearted stallions were bred to Saddlebred mares giving Saddlebreds the X Factor for stamina.
The large heart gave us endurance horses before they were officially called that.
General Castleman (ABOVE) aboard the beautiful and talented 'Carolina' is reported to have ridden this mare 3000 miles per year.
Susie Santana (ABOVE with Tom Neese, up), endurance mare for Michael Molland, farm owner, finishing in top three horses on her first three endurance rides against horses of all breeds.
Before there were jumpers there was Kingston, registered ASB stallion, passing his blood to horses on the New Zealand Olympic Team.
Don Juan de Marco - aka "Tex"
And when people looked for children's and family horses they found the Saddlebred.
Laura, 13 years old, on her four year old ASB gelding, Far Field El Capitan. In training with Hugh White
Far Field Flambeau and his driver, Jason. Trained and instructed by Kasey Ashley, Santa Rosa, CA
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