Congratulations and Welcome to the American Saddlebred Horse"

You have already purchased or may be considering the purchase of an American Saddlebred horse. When you become a member of this special family, you will have the opportunity to make a positive difference in your life and in the lives of those who enjoy this wonderful sport with you.

This family of American Saddlebred owners, breeders, trainers, horse show exhibitors, pleasure riders, and drivers could in time mean a great deal to you. Saddlebred ownership often proves to be a major life-enriching experience that leads to enduring friendships and personal satisfaction. Surprisingly often, people have the experience of leaving the Saddlebred family for a time and then returning later to a warm welcome from many of the friends made years before. Their love for Saddlebred horses, America's first native breed, is rooted in tradition as old as America itself.

Saddlebred ownership puts you in contact with a very special breed of horse - beautiful, intelligent, fun to ride or drive, and adaptable to what you want to do.

Ranging in height from 15 to 17 hands and weighing about 1,000 pounds, Saddlebreds come in almost all colors because registration is based on pedigree alone, with no color restrictions.

The ideal Saddlebred has a long, arching neck and a head and eye suggesting refinement and intelligence. Long, sloping pasterns give a spring to the stride, making Saddlebreds very comfortable to ride. High quality, smoothness, and good proportions complete an overall picture of symmetry and style.

The conformation of the American Saddlebred enables the horse to perform well in many equine events. In addition, the breed has inherited a special predisposition for learning the elegant slow gait gait and the flashy, speedy rack - comfortable to ride and thrilling to watch.

Perhaps the breed's most distinguishing trait is high intelligence. Happy, alert, and curious, American Saddlebreds possess that people-oriented quality called personality, endearing them to their owners and admirers.

There is something special about a stable. A drive through the countryside is a pleasant prelude to a visit where one is greeted with a unique but pleasing odor-a blend of hay, horses, leather, and wood.

In the morning, the aisle or arena echoes to the hoof beats of equine athletes being conditioned and trained for the show ring. Early in the afternoon, men and women of all ages may come for lessons or practice on their show horses. Later in the day, children's squeals of joy and laughter are heard as they enjoy a group lesson and mingle with friends.

The stable is often decorated for holidays and is the scene of parties, but on most nights the quiet of the evening is broken only by the occasional stomping of feet, the contented munching of hay, and the call of the whippoorwill or bark of a dog from the countryside. At such a time, the simple feeling of contentment and peace between people and animals is satisfying in a complicated world.

There are many ways to learn about American Saddlebreds and the people involved with them. A good place to start is the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA). Once you get serious about owning a Saddlebred, you should join ASHA and have access to its wealth of information. Members receive an informative bimonthly magazine, The American Saddlebred, discounted rates on services, an annual membership directory, and many other benefits. Junior members receive The Hayshaker, their own amusing quarterly newsletter.

Another important resource for the new owner is the ASHA Charter Clubs, made up of local area Saddlebred owners. A worldwide network, Charter Club members conduct many equine and social activities and will be happy to help you learn more about the breed.

Horse shows are excellent places to meet owners, exhibitors, trainers, riding instructors, and breeders. At a show, see first hand how Saddlebreds compete, than visit the stabling area and ask questions. We think you will find most Saddlebred people friendly, helpful, and encouraging. One step leads to another, and it's easy to become acquainted with American Saddlebreds and people of all ages who love them.

Before buying an American Saddlebred, you should try to assess your personal goals as a horse owner- for yourself or for a family member. The purchase of a horse is often an exciting, emotional experience, and determining what you want to do with your horse before you act is important.

First, evaluate the abilities for the rider. Does the rider have any experience? Is the rider timid or bold? How much time will be spent with this new horse? Is competition a goal? Is the rider in a lesson program? Does the rider have the knowledge and skills to train a horse without assistance?

Take a look at physical characteristics. Is the rider tall or short? Stocky or lean? The size of the horse should suit the rider.

Do you want a show horse? A broodmare? A prospect? A horse to keep in training? At home? How much are you willing to spend? Are you buying as an investment? Strictly for pleasure?

Keep an open mind about such things as sex and color, and don't have a set idea about when and where you will find the right horse.

With myriad ways to select and purchase an American Saddlebred and many available options, the best advice for the newcomer is, "Take your time and seek expert help."

There is a saying, "Put the trainer before the horse" which newcomers are advised to heed. It means that seeking the advice of an expert in the field before buying a horse is in your best interest. Often, that expert will be a professional- a trainer or riding instructor. Experienced amateur exhibitors and/or breeders can also be competent advisers. You should expect to pay for a professional's expertise as you would pay for a real estate agent's assistance of and attorney's advice, and a clear understanding ahead of time about fees, expenses, and commissions should be reached.

It would be wise to have an agreement in writing; the use of a contract to finalize a sale is a good business practice.

The standard commission is ten percent of the sales price for either the buying or selling a horse on behalf of a client, but there may be additional expenses involved in finding the right horse. An experienced professional adviser will help you avoid mistakes in selecting a horse that is suitable for the way you expect to use it, whether for breeding, competition, or pleasure riding and driving.

How can you find someone to help you? The best way is to ask for recommendations form experienced people who already own Saddlebreds, maybe friends or those involved with the local ASHA Charter Club. Having your questions answered will make the Saddlebred experience more meaningful and enjoyable. Keep an open mind, make comparisons, avoid hasty judgements- and have a good time!

Ownership of a horse is not the exclusive privilege of the wealthy, and the original price of an American Saddlebred may have a wide range. Blue ribbons are based on performance in the show ring, not on the price of the horse. An unbroken yearling out of the field might be purchased at auction for $500, while a finished show champion or breeding stallion could command hundreds of thousands of dollars in a private sale. A newcomer should not purchase an American Saddlebred expecting to make a profit, although it is possible to do so.

The best available barometer of price comes from sale averages taken from records of TSE/Tattersalls Sales, Lexington, Kentucky, a company which holds three public action sales per year. Recent prices have averaged approximately $3,500 for horses of all types. However, public auctions account for only about 10 percent of all Saddlebreds sold, and one should expect to pay more in a private sale between individuals.

A newcomer should look at more than the purchase price and understand basic horse maintenance expenses as well:

-Feed & Bedding
-Veterinary
-Farrier (shoeing)
-Riding/Driving lessons
-Tack & equipment
-Horse Shows & Tournaments
-Riding Clothes
-Training Transportation
-Hotel & Food
-Per Diem Fees (Show Care)
-Entry & Stall Fees

Most training stables include everything in their monthly fee with the exception of shoeing, veterinary, and horse show expenses.

Training and boarding costs vary depending upon the level of services offered.

Some other possible expenses to be considered as part of buying, owning, and selling a horse are insurance, advertising, stud fees, registration and transfer fees, memberships, and commissions.

Likely places to purchase Saddlebreds are training stables and riding academies where there are always horses for sale. The American Saddlebred magazine and other Saddlebred publications have country-wide listings to consult. Other opportunities to see and buy horses may be found at breeding farms, auction and/or dispersal sales, and horse shows. Trainers and instructors are often reluctant to sell a good lesson horse because of its value to their teaching program, but they have a network of sources throughout the country and can usually find something suitable of you give them authority to do so.

Because Saddlebred barns are busy places, courtesy dictates to call for an appointment. Be as specific as possible about the sort of horse you are looking for and your price range.

A pre-purchase veterinary examination for soundness is common practice. A sound horse is one that is free form defects in form or function that may interfere with its usefulness. The veterinarian of your choice should be given some background on what will be expected of the animal to determine how detailed the examination should be.

Reputable auctions employ a veterinarian to examine all the horses, and require health papers. But at the auction the principle of "buyer beware" applies. Purchasers do have 24 hours in which to reject a horse found not to be as represented. Again, the inexperienced buyer should seek advice.

If the sale is private, both buyer and seller may wish to have a purchase contract drawn up by an attorney, especially if term payments are involved.

According to ASHA rules, the seller (record owner) is required to pay for the transfer of the horse and to mail the registration certificate (the "papers"), the transfer made out entirely in the handwriting of the seller, and the appropriate fee(s) to ASHA in Lexington. The registration certificate is not legal title to the horse but is an important document to be kept in a safe place. Copies of the certificate should be made because American Horse Shows Association (AHSA) recognized shows require that a copy be submitted when a horse is entered in a show. Before you purchase a horse privately, make sure you see the certificate and verify that the seller's name is the same as the recorded owner's name. The description of the markings and color should also be compared to the horse for positive identification before purchase. This could be done by the veterinarian representing you at the pre-purchase examination.

You may choose to insure your Saddlebred. Many types of equine policies are available form reputable companies with qualified agents ready to explain their plans. Insurance companies often advertise in equine sale catalogues and trade publications.

Leasing as an alternative to purchasing may be attractive, an option popular with parents whose child may suddenly become "horse Crazy" after taking a few lessons and the desire to own a special horse is strong. Leasing allows a family to determine whether the youngster's interest will endure but has some disadvantages in that there will be no opportunity for profit from a sale, and the owner may wish to discontinue the arrangement when you do not.

Advantages to leasing are that you can get the horse you need on a temporary basis; when you want to upgrade, you don't have the problem of selling the horse first. Sometime, you can lease a horse with an option to buy, and your leasing fee will be applied to the purchase cost.

Expenses for a leased horse will most likely be the same as if you owned it, and the owner may require that the animal be insured. Be sure to get a Certificate of Eligibility to Show from the ASHA before you take the horse to an AHSA accredited show. This document allows you to enter a leased horse in your own name.

Leased and/or purchased contracts should be reviewed by an attorney.

The horse show is the proving ground for American Saddlebreds and is the source of great activity and interest to riders and drivers who love the sport. Men and women compete on an equal footing, and as the skills of a rider progress, shows offer opportunities to participate in "big league" athletic competition.

There are local shows where your Saddlebred may compete against horses of many breeds in western pleasure, jumping, or trail classes. Riding tournaments, where academy riders show in equitation with their peers, are popular for stables with lesson programs. Costs are minimal, and attire usually consists or shirts, jodhpurs, and riding boots.

Country fair type shows can range from grass roots competition to AHSA accredited events. The American Horse Show Association is the national all-breed organization based in New York which governs affiliated shows, with member breed groups involved in making and enforcing the rules. Most Saddlebred exhibitors are members and receive a discounted rate on membership if they are also members of the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

At the upper end of the echelon are the various state fairs and major shows where high performance Saddlebreds compete for championship titles and large purses. The Kentucky State Fair, held in August in Louisville, Kentucky, is considered the World's Championship Show for American Saddlebreds, and the American Royal in Kansas City , Missouri, is home to several blue chip competition finals. The American Saddlebred magazine and other Saddlebred publications have timely listings of U.S. horse shows.

All horse shows, big or small, have many things in common- the excitement of competing, the thrill of achievement, and a keen sense of belonging and fellowship. The competition itself builds sportsmanship and character. Entire families participate in the sport, and this aspect is often mentioned as one of the best experiences of owning a Saddlebred- the opportunity to travel and show together.

Most shows feature social events- tail gate parties, aisle parties, victory parties, and exhibitors' parties- parties before, during, and after!

Contributed by the American Saddlebred Horse Association.