158 JUDGING LIGHT HORSES 



American Saddle Horse varies on the average from 15-1 to 

 15-3 hands, and ranges in weight from 950 to 1050 pounds. 

 Specimens of the well-bred saddle horse usually exhibit ex- 

 treme style, the body being very close and neatly turned. 

 The shoulders and pasterns should be oblique, yet strong 

 enough to endure the work for which they are used. The 

 predominating colors are bay, brown, chestnut, and black, 

 usually being marked with one or more white points. The 

 best types of the American Saddle Horse are exemplified in 

 beauty, symmetry, and finish. They are well proportioned, 

 the lines clearly defined, the countenance intelligent, and 

 the head and neck usually possessing a most characteristic, 

 lofty, graceful, carriage, or position. The especially marked 

 carriage of the head and neck, the sloping shoulders and 

 pasterns, the smooth, round-turned body and the long, 

 level croup with high set and gracefully carried tail are char- 

 acteristics which are not only desired but usually possessed 

 in superior specimens of the breed. The American Saddle 

 Horse is typified by five characteristic gaits, namely : the walk, 

 trot, canter, rack and the running walk, fox trot, or slow pace. 



The American Saddle Horse Association defines the 

 American Saddle Horse from the show ring standpoint in 

 the following: The saddle horse must be sound, of good 

 conformation, substance, finish, style, and shown without 

 artificial appliances, and up to carrying at least one hundred 

 and sixty (160) pounds. 



The three-gaited horse should go plain, walk briskly, and 

 with speed equal to four (4) miles an hour; canter reasonably, 

 high and gentle, trot steady, straight, and true; action enough 

 to be attractive; well balanced, and with speed equal to 

 twelve (12) miles an hour. 



Added to the foregoing the five-gaited horse should go 

 running walk, fox trot or slow pace, smoothly and equal 

 to six (6) miles an hour; rack easily without being forced, 

 with speed equal to twelve (12) miles an hour. Must stand 

 quietly, back readily, and lead with either foot in a canter 

 from a halt. (Not required or desired to change lead in 

 action.) 



High rate of speed and racing is forbidden. 



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