so…inquiring five-foot-one minds such as mine would be wondering where to find such a horse…
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On saddle fit - it worked with a half pad for a trial ride, but not a perfect fit. I’m not that stupid 
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Where do you find Saddlebred sport horses for sale? I rode Saddlebreds growing up and I would love to find a one but I don’t have the experience or skills to bring along a really young horse. I would be willing to invest in training but I don’t even know where to start. I’ve been actively horse shopping for almost 2 years and I always keep my eye out for Saddlebreds but I’ve rarely seen any advertised that are trained/prospects for a discipline other than saddleseat.
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most people buy them directly from the breeder as youngsters- 1-3 yrs. old.
I bought mine as a 2 yr. old and went to Nebraska-Iowa area to look where there’s a few breeders.
start talking to even saddleseat people and they can help steer you to breeders who may have youngsters not suitable for saddleseat.
Many saddleseat people think the ASB Sporthorses are culls. You need to plan on a training program as most of the young ones have very little training. And once they’ve gotten training people tend to hold on to them.
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There are FB groups for Saddlebreds for sport, as well as for sale based on how many carrots. I got the most responses in the under 15K group, and with my ISO specifying sporthorse/dressage, people I didn’t know that are catching on to how to market them quickly replied.
I will also say you have to be able to see the potential in a horse going like a Saddlebred. I think people are more used to seeing before/after of OTTBs, as an example. I tried to cut out all identifying names but these pics were from a similar discussion about the prejudice against saddleseat trained/started prospects. This is the same horse…
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VSE, not VSH!
Yes, of course! Very Small Equine! Thank you.
Or very smart equine, very sadistic equine, depending on your perspective!
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My little guy just thought he was Vastly Superior Equine 
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For those of you who are looking for an ASB prospect, I have found several that are well started. I do not own them, nor will I make a dime on them, but I can help point you in the right direction, if you are looking. This is an exceptional breeder and is looking to sell these guys to very high quality long term homes. Please feel free to PM me.
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I said it upthread, but I’ll mention it again! Saddlebred Rescue is a reputable, wonderful rescue. They will keep you on a list if you are looking for a sport horse type ASB. Most of the time I think if Nealia finds one, it never gets listed as many people are looking for them. See the info here for getting in touch with them and seeing what they have. Good luck!
https://www.saddlebredrescue.com/available-horses.html
PS I have an Arab Saddlebred cross that I use in dressage. If I do say so myself, he’s a great horse with the best of both breeds. I rode saddle seat in my younger days, now thrilled that ASBs do well as dressage horses too.
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That is really good to know. I follow them on Facebook and donate to them regularly. They are actually in my will as a half beneficiary if my immediate beneficiaries have passed away 
. It never occurred to me they might have horses that are adopted before they are advertised and I’ve never contacted Nealia.
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Do it, do it, do it! Good luck!
Also received video of a gorgeous three year old with a world class canter. Once again, not mine, and I do not make a dime on this- but I have been enabling for over 30 years. His trot wil come along when learns to stretch down. If you’re interested, pm me and tell me what you are hoping for. These are long-term relationships that I have with these trainers and I don’t just tell them that screen name so-and-so wants a horse. I hope you understand.
IMG_1443
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For people looking at typical sport horses it can be hard to look past a biting rig and counter bending. However, I find it helpful to look at horse like this and think “what would I expect to see in terms of willingness and balance if a 3 year old OTTB was put in this same set up”. I’d expect cross cantering, falling into the trot, and a lot of theatrics about being so restricted up front.
The inherent balance and nature of this horse is stellar. Put in properly adjusted side reins and given two weeks of learning how to use his body in a different way would produce a horse that would turn heads in any dressage barn. The ASB brain is really quite remarkable and if you can find one that has a good canter, the sky is the limit. When I was last searching I tried so hard to find one just like this. I really hope he ends up in an experienced dressage home. He will be a great breed ambassador.
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I could not agree more and thank you so much for expressing that. People just don’t realize how amazing these horses are and this particular one has a canter that I would put up against any warm blood baby that age with that experience. They are truly the undiscovered treasure for the amateurs in this country wanting a great ride and a wonderful partner!
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Saddlebreds are lovely and kind as I remember these from my youth.
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Ladies, you all are making me sort of regret my absolute infatuation with Arabians, preferably mares but any Arabian will do.
Too bad that the celebrated ASBs of my youth were the long weighted hooved, set tails, restrictive head set, and the inevitable sagging back show horses.
I think I read in a Louis Taylor book that the original breeders of the ASB were trying to breed a riding horse who could also drive, a riding horse that was a BETTER riding horse than a Thoroughbred or Arabian. It sounds like he may have been right.
But, those Arabian mares, sigh, swoon.
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Ahem, I had a 7/8 domestic Arab x 1/8 ASB mare with a screw loose in her head. She was the first ruined horse I retrained. Inverted, either bolting or balking, she did not want to be ridden.
I got her Eldonian stainless steel double bridle bits from Little Joe’s Saddlery in Richmond, Va… It was HARD to find a suitable 4 1/2" bit back then. She came to me absolutely needing a standing martingale. It took me six months and she became a rather decent ride. In fact she was the one horse I did not fall off of even though I rode her for years.
The ASBs right now are looking more impressive than the TBs as riding horses. There is more substance often, combined with an active shoulder which increases the reach of the stride. There are also impressive similarities with properly ridden Warmbloods, similar neck set on and decent shoulders. I think that the ASB is among the best riding horse breeds in the world today and we are being absolutely ridiculous for ignoring our inherited equine treasure.
Personally, for my own use, right now if I was still able to own a horse, I would consider and ASB without hesitation, unless that Arab mare decides that she needs me.
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