The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
American saddlebred horse
breed of light horse with great beauty, easy gait, and stamina; also known as the American saddle horse and the Kentucky saddler. It was developed primarily from the Thoroughbred and the Naragansett pacer. It is noted for its tremendous showy action in all gaits, its well-formed, swanlike neck with aristocratic arch, and its uplifted tail. It is most popular as a show horse and possesses an exceptional aptitude for training. The breed is characterized by a satin coat of brown, black, or chestnut, often with white face and leg markings. It stands 15 to 17 hands (60–68 in./152–172 cm) high and weighs approximately 1,000 lb (450 kg).
