The American riding horse was created in the 19th century. At that time, local planters had a need for horses with softness, endurance and agility of gait. On such horses it would be convenient to go around huge estates and at the same time feel comfortable in the saddle. Today this breed line is one of the most popular in America. Its representatives demonstrate their beautiful gaits in the show rings, among which is a very complex four-stroke called Rek.
American riding breed
History of origin
At the end of the 18th century, 2 breeds of horses were popular in North America – the Old Arragansett and the Canadian. These horses were pacers. Based on them, a new breed line was bred by crossing with thoroughbred riding stallions, which were brought from England. American planters were in dire need of horses that possessed both qualities at the same time – agility and softness of gait. They had to go around their possessions daily, being in the saddle for 5-8 hours.
By the beginning of the 19th century, a breed was formed, which was popularly called American. From their ancestors, the horses inherited the necessary qualities – they adopted beauty, grace and agility from representatives of the English breed, and the softness of the course was passed on to them through the maternal line. The first mention of the American riding horse is found in government notes dated 1776.
In the 18th century, this breed had a universal use. On weekdays, its representatives did hard work in the field, and on weekends they were used for horseback riding and in carriages.
Attention! In order to improve the American horse, they later crossed with stallions of the Morgan and Standardbred breeds. Thanks to this, the horses have become even more resilient and strong.
At exhibitions that were regularly held in America, representatives of the new breed received high marks not only for beauty, but also for excellent working qualities and the ability to demonstrate different gaits. During the Civil War, these horses served faithfully to the command of the Confederates. They proved to be brave, courageous and hardy animals. In connection with the growing popularity of the American horse breed at the end of the 19th century, it was decided to officially recognize and register it. It took place in 1891.
Features of the American Saddle Horse
Representatives of the breed line, bred in the USA, have gained popularity due to their excellent working qualities. Their main feature is the ability to move in a complex gait, which in America is called a wreck.
It is a cross between a trot and an amble. This mode of locomotion is characterized by a large grasp of space and a low reach of limbs. While in the saddle, the rider feels comfortable, as the canter is quite fast, but at the same time smooth.
Attention! American Riding Horses are five-gait horses. The ability to move wreck helped them win worldwide fame.
Most of the breed is able to wreck from birth. Only some foals have to be taught such an amble. They master science quickly, in just a few training sessions, after which they hone their skills.
American riding horses are able to make a special stance when the hind limbs are set far back. At the same time, the tail of the horses is raised high. In America, exhibitions and demonstration performances have been held for a long time, at which horses demonstrate their talents.
Reference. In order to keep the tail of the animals in an elevated position, they undergo an operation, during which the muscles at the base of the tail ridge are cut.
Characterization
Exterior and suits
American riding horses are athletic and well-dressed. They have thin skin and luxurious silky mane. It is a special pleasure to watch them move. It looks like the horses are dancing.
Consider the main external features of horses:
american riding horse
- height is 1,55 m;
- the head is rather dry and strict with a straight (rarely hook-nosed) profile;
- straight pointed elongated ears;
- large expressive eyes;
- long body with a strong back and a slight bend in the lower back;
- thin long neck with well marked withers;
- well-developed muscular forearms;
- deep massive chest;
- high-set neat croup;
- long dry legs with the correct setting.
American riding horses can be represented in any color, but the following colors are more common in the breed:
- bay;
- gray
- redhead;
- black.
Most representatives of the discussed breed line have diffuse white spots on the frontal part of the head and limbs.
Character
Horses of American origin inherited from their ancestors the ability to devote themselves to work at full capacity. They are ready to train for hours on end, after which they quickly restore strength. These animals have a calm and balanced character, are distinguished by a subtle mind and are easy to train.
Show ring use
In the USA, at the end of the 19th century, competitions were popular at which horses demonstrated the beauty of their gait. It is not for nothing that American riding horses are called “peacocks of the show ring”, because they move very beautifully and gracefully, without losing speed and without knocking down their stride.
In order to demonstrate in all its splendor the gaits of representatives of this breed, they use special horseshoes that protect the pasterns and heels from hitting the limbs against each other. The legs of the horses seem even longer in this outfit, and their run is mesmerizing. The rider’s saddle is attached so that it is located closer to the horse’s lower back. This allows you to slightly shift the center of gravity back, so that the animals show their unusual gait in all its glory.
Famous representatives of the breed
Some stallions belonging to the American Horse breed line have won love and recognition all over the world:
Cincinnati
- Gypsy Supreme. A stallion who has won more than 9 international competitions.
- A horse named Lexington. It was on it that William Sherman, who became the hero of the American Civil War, always moved.
- Supreme Sultan. This stallion is so popular in the USA that a monument was erected to him in Kentucky. It is his appearance that is taken as the American horse breed standard. This legendary horse has won many competitions. It has a separate page on the Wikipedia website.
- Traveller. This horse was the favorite of Confederate Army Commander Robert E. Lee.
- Cincinnati. The stallion belonged to the American politician and commander Ulysses Grant during the American Civil War.
Museum dedicated to the American horse breed
Americans appreciate the local horse breed so much that they even opened a museum dedicated to it. It is located in Horse Park in Kentucky. Near the entrance to it there is a life-size monument to the horse Supreme Sultan.
The exhibits in this museum can tell visitors a lot about the history of glorious horses. You can touch them, and some are allowed to sit on. No money is taken to visit, but you will have to pay about $ 12 for the entrance to the Horse Park.
The museum has any information about the American riding horse, including a family tree. The local library has more than 3 thousand books about the breed. You can buy a small souvenir to remember the tour.
The American riding breed of horses means a lot to their country. These are unusual animals that win the hearts of people with their beauty, grace, nobility, courage and endurance. No wonder these horses were so fond of using the generals during the Civil War.
