EDMONTON – Some horses are clunkers and some are family sedans. The Saddlebred is a Cadillac, said Archie Hurst, a Saddlebred trainer and breeder.
“It’s a horse that when you ride down the road, people stop and look. It’s the Cadillac of the show world,” said Hurst during a break getting his horses ready for the Open All Breeds Horse Show during the Horse Power event at Northlands earlier this month.
Hurst brought 22 Saddlebred horses to the event, to show off the breed and support the new show.
Read Also
VIDEO: British company Antler Bio brings epigenetics to dairy farms
British company Antler Bio is bringing epigenetics to dairy farms using blood tests help tie how management is meeting the genetic potential of the animals.
“We want to get behind Northlands and support them. We want to show them we’re interested in the event continuing,” he said.
During the 19th century, Kentucky plantation owners, who wanted showy horses to ride or as they drove their carriages, developed the Saddlebred.
“It was developed in an era when a man’s worth and character were judged by his horseflesh,” said Hurst.
While few people are judged by their horseflesh today, the Saddlebred is growing more popular, especially in Alberta’s booming economy.
“These horses are very family oriented. They love attention. They just say ‘look at me, pet me, touch me,’ ” he said.
Riding and showing Saddlebreds is also seen as a safer sport than rodeo or jumping.
“If the rider is not a thrill seeker by nature, but still loves horses, this is something to do.”
During the show, the horses are entered in several categories: country pleasure, show pleasure, park, three gait, five gait, fine harness and pleasure driving.
Each of the categories shows the different characteristics of the horse. The park category is designed to show the animal’s natural abilities; the show pleasure is designed to catch the eye of the spectator.
The five-gait competition shows the three traditional gaits, walk, trot and canter, but also shows two manmade gaits, designed to give the horse a showy, high stepping appearance.
In mid-September, Hurst and a team of seven Canadians plan to travel to South Africa for a saddle seat competition.
The riders will draw horses and show their riding abilities on an unaccustomed mount. As team coach, it’s Hurst’s job to quickly recognize each horse’s attributes and help the rider bring out the best in the horse.
“It’s a very unique competition. It’s based on ability, not affordability.”
