Established as a breed in the first half of the 19th century, the American Saddlebred began its distinguished history as a military mount. After the War of 1812, the breed's extraordinary performance led it to a prominent role in settlement of the American Midwest and West. Saddlebreds carried some of the most famous generals of the Civil War, including Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. In recognition of the breed's high value, an official breed registry arose as the first of its kind in the United States.
Since then, the Saddlebred has become known for its intelligence, personality, and elegance. They present themselves with refinement and grace in the ring, where their arched necks and raised heads command the attention of audiences. A Saddlebred's stride is smooth, and its long pasterns support a smooth, gentle gait. Pleasant to ride, the Saddlebred has become popular for a wide variety of events, ranging from dressage and show jumping to endurance and recreational riding.