Saddlebreds, also known as American Saddlebred Horses, Saddlebred Horses, Saddle Horses or Kentucky Saddlers, have an important place in American History. Needing horses strong enough to do work on the Plantation, possessing sufficient endurance to carry riders comfortably many miles, and refined enough to pull the family carriage to Church on Sunday, early American breeders combined the blood of the Arabian, Thoroughbred and Narragansett Pacer. With strength, comfort and endurance, Saddlebreds also made ideal military mounts on North American terrain. In fact, American Saddlebreds were used by both sides in the American Civil War. They were at one time the number one export from the South and became known simply as "The American Horse." American Saddlebreds are still bred and shown today. Each year at the Kentucky State Fair, the World Grand Champion American Saddlebred is crowned. These versatile horses are proving themselves as eager, athletic performers in endurance riding, eventing, jumping and dressage. Many can perform additional gaits called the slow gait and the rack. For more information please visit: www.saddlebred.com
The Friesian is an ancient breed that descends from a primitive horse called Equus Robustus. These strong, sturdy and regal animals were cultivated by early European conquerors. As war mounts, they were favored by Knights. The breed nearly disappeared and at one time only a very few purebred specimens were found in Friesland, a Province in the Netherlands. The Dutch passed legislation protecting the purity of the breed, which now enjoys a resurgence. As early as 1665, the Dutch brought Friesians to a region in North America called New Amsterdam, a township later taken by the English, who changed the name to York ... now called New York. The breed was sturdy, but a bit heavy and slow for the needs of American settlers. It is believed, though, that Friesian horses were used in the development of the Morgan horse.