Saddlebred FAQ

What is a Five-Gaited Horse?
The American Saddlebred horse is not only generally regarded as the aristocrat of the show ring, but is also one of the most beautiful and versatile breeds. The five-gaited horses are shown with a full mane and tail; they are judged at the walk, trot and canter plus the two made gaits – the slow gait (a collected four-beat gait with high front action) and the rack (with all-around action and speed). They should have a springy way of moving and extreme brilliance. Classes are divided by sex of the horses. The white quarter boots on the front feet are for protection in case the back feet strike the front feet. They are judged on performance, presence, quality, conformation, manners, and soundness.

What is a Three-Gaited Horse?
The three-gaited horse (also called a walk-trot horse) performs the three natural gaits: walk, an animated two-beat gait; trot, a two beat diagonal gait; and canter, a collected slow gallop. The trot of the three-gaited horse is slower and more collected than that of the five-gaited horse. The mane is roached or trimmed to show a long, fine neck. Three-gaited classes are divided by height or by sex or age. The trot is the gait most emphasized and it should be true, high in action, well-collected and animated.

What is Saddle Seat Equitation?
Equitation is horsemanship of the art of riding and showing a horse. The rider only is judged on hands, seat, legs, basic position, and the ability to make the horse perform any gait or test called for by the judge. Saddle seat equitation is the type of English riding done with a flat English saddle and a four-reined bridle. One set of reins goes to the snaffle bit and the other set to the curb. Hunt seat (where a jumping saddle is used), stock seat (where a Western saddle is used) and pleasure equitation complete the equitation division.

What is the American Saddlebred Pleasure Horse?
The versatile American Saddlebred has proven to be the ideal pleasure mount. The division is open to mares and geldings shown by an amateur. They are shown with a full mane and tail which must be carried naturally, and any device that alters the natural carriage of the tail is prohibited. Pleasure horses are shown in three-gaited, pleasure driving, Western, pleasure equitation and country pleasure divisions. They must give the appearance of being a pleasure to ride, and easy ground covering action is desired. Manners and suitability as a pleasure mount are paramount.