Eligibility & Type

ASB 1.0 Eligibility & Type Pure Saddlebred Known for their high stepping flashy gaits in the show ring, and valued for their versatility and the ability to excel in various disciplines such as saddle seat, hunt seat, western and dressage. Horses in this division must be registered with the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA) or the Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC) and shown under the registered name and ownership. Half Saddlebred Horses in this division must be registered with the American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association (ASHBA). Half Saddlebreds are not permitted to compete in Purebred Saddlebred classes. They should exhibit similarities to the Saddlebred parent, including smooth gaits, a willingness to work with people, intelligence, and versatility. There are no specific height or weight requirements. They may also display characteristics of any other breed. An attractive head with wide-set expressive eyes is desirable, along with a flexed neck at the poll and a fine, clean throatlatch. Well-defined withers are also important. American Saddlebred Physical Characteristics Size & Weight: Average height of 15 to 16 hands, with a weight range of 1,000-1,200 pounds Colors: chestnut, bay, brown, black, gray, roan, Palomino, and Pinto. Conformation: The American Saddlebred should exhibit a harmonious and balanced conformation, showcasing an elegant and proud carriage. The head should possess refined features, with expressive eyes and ears that are alertly positioned. The neck is ideally long and gracefully arched, blending smoothly into well-defined shoulders. The throat area should appear clean and sleek. Prominent and clearly defined withers should smoothly transition into a strong, level back. The shoulder should be deep and sloping, allowing for fluid movement. The body should be well-muscled, complemented by ribs that are well sprung. The croup should be level or gently sloping, supporting a high-set tail carriage. Legs should be straight and sturdy, with strong bones, well-defined tendons, and pasterns that slope gracefully. Forelegs should be positioned well beneath the shoulders, while hind legs should align vertically from the buttocks to the back edge of the cannon bone. Hooves should be sound and properly proportioned, with open heels for optimal support, neither turned in nor turned out. Half-Saddlebreds should possess similar characteristics similar to the ASB, but may be of any size and will show characteristics of their other parent. Movement and Action: Horses should demonstrate clean, rhythmic, and fluid action, maintaining a straight and true path. Undesirable traits include winging, interfering, traveling wide behind, mixing of gaits, and loss of form. Penalizations may include:

● Course head

● Roman nose

● Round jaws

● Lop ears

● Wide ears

● Small eyes

● Short, straight, or ewe neck

● Thick throat latch

● Flat withers

● Roached or sway-back

● Crooked tail

● Hollow chest

● Straight in the shoulder

● Crooked or bowed legs and rough joints

● Calved knees / Over at the knee

● Straight pasterns

● Splay feet or pigeon toes

● Tight heels and dished feet

● Stance too wide or too narrow

● Sickle or cow hocks

● Dished feet

● Lack of muscle tone

● Too fat or too thin

● Lack of coat conditioning