The American Saddlebred in the
Show Ring
To be a successful show horse, a Saddlebred must possess "bloom", or presence, in addition to performing the required gaits with grace and vigor. Perhaps a particular horse exhibits much beauty, heart, courage and gameness, but lacks a truly brilliant rack. This horse might be a candidate to show in the three gaited divisions or fine-harness divisions. It is often the combination of horse, trainer and rider that determines which classes a given horse will excel. It is also quite an art form, and not a science, to find the correct niche for the individual.
Five gaited horses perform the walk, trot, canter, slow gait and rack in both directions of the ring (See Study of Gaits). Five gaited horses are sometimes considered less refined than their three gaited counterparts, but must still exhibit all the traits that a Saddlebred are known for. Five gaited horses are shown with full manes and tails, with braided ribbons added to the forelock and mane. The tail of a five gaited horse are shown with a high tail carriage, and additional hair called "switches" may be added for fullness and length. Tails may be set or unset, with the current style dictating vertical carriage. This is achieved by using a tail set, which supports the tail in an upright position. Five gaited horses wear protective boots called "quarter boots" on their front feet to prevent possible injury by overstepping with their back hooves while racking.
Three gaited horses perform the walk, trot and canter going both directions of the show ring. Beauty, animation and performance are emphasized, with refinement rounding out the qualifications of a successful show mount. Three gaited horses are shown with roached (clipped) manes and the dock of the tail is also clipped short.
Fine harness horses perform the walk and trot in both directions of the ring. They are penalized for breaking (cantering) and should be lofty, airy and alert. Fine harness horses wear boots on their front feet, primarily for tradition and aesthetics, not necessarily for protection. They are shown with full manes, tails and ribbons.
Most shows include Pleasure classes in which manners are a paramount. These pleasure horses may be five gaited, three gaited, pleasure driving, or a host of other specialty classes. Pleasure horses must show at a flat walk, and give the impression of being a pleasure to ride. All pleasure horses are shown with full manes and unset tails.
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Saddlebreds are also shown in a variety of equine competitions. Young horses show in Futurity classes to showcase the next generation of competitors. Saddlebreds are also successful in Western, Dressage, and Hunter/Jumper competitions. These versatile horses have even competed in Cross-country and Endurance.As you can see, the American Saddlebred is truly the ultimate show horse!
