Showing American Saddlebred Horses
It all about the beauty, elegance, and grace.
Showing American Saddlebred horses allows spectators and horse enthusiasts to see the dedication, training, and effort that the riders, instructors, and trainers put into each horse. Saddlebred horses are bred with the look and skills of the nigh knee, long arching neck, and graceful movements but through hard work and training, each horse can learn to shine.
Horse shows can happen at the local, regional, national and even world level. Each one bringing horses with higher levels of skill and grace. Champions and Reserve Champions have been trained in Iowa by our local barns.
Champions at all levels of showing are being trained in Iowa every day.
Introduction to Showing the American Saddlebred
Showing Academy Level at a horse show is for students learning to ride. Each individual is developing their skills and being introduced to the riding styles of the American Saddlebred. Riders do not have to own their own horse. As part of their lesson fees, they are “renting” or “leasing” the ability to ride a horse in a show. Academy riders wear a Jodhpurs pants, a dress shirt, vest, and tie. Youth riders are required to wear a helmet. Academy riders show two classes, equitation (rider’s basic skills and diagonals) and horsemanship (rider’s performance ability). Skills can include walk & trot or walk, trot, & canter. Find riding lessons near me - Horse Barn Directory.
Performance Horse Showing
Showing at a horse show is for horse owners or individuals that fully lease a horse. There are a large range of classes from junior to aduit exhibitor for pleasure, five-gated, and three-gated. Riders wear suites that coincide with the elegance and grace of the American Saddlebred horse. They include hats, jackets, vets, ties, and jodhpurs. Judging is not only focused on the riders ability to control their horse but on the horse’s ability to perform the actions required. This can include a four-beat walk and the high knee and hock visual that is associated with the American Saddlebred. Locate a training barn near you - Horse Barn Directory.