This article is complementary to “Transitions and Transformations: A collection of
reader-submitted stories and images illustrate that great things happen when Saddlebreds try new disciplines,” which appears in the December 2024 issue of EQUUS. This is the third installment.

A note from the author, Deb Bennett, PhD

I compiled this set of four .pdf documents from contributions submitted by owners of American Saddlebred  horses. Where possible, I have expanded the pedigree information. Those who own Saddlebreds in sporthorse or alternative disciplines will likely be pleased to find closely related horses reported here. Those thinking of purchasing a Saddlebred for non-traditonal use may find this index helpful. The pedigree information, as well as the photos, provides some idea of the bloodlines to consider.

Readers have been outstandingly generous. We had room to print two articles featuring 16 horses belonging to a dozen owners. But this represents only a fraction of all the owners (over 80) and all the horse photos they sent in (over 400). To thank and acknowledge everybody—and to illustrate the versatility of Saddlebreds, we have created these documents.

I’ve organized Images and stories in alphabetical order by owner’s last name. Section One covers A-E, Section Two F-L, Section Three M-R and Section Four S-Z.

Together and separately these anecdotes illustrate an often under-appreciated quality that Saddlebreds possess: to excel as performers beyond the traditional saddle seat and fine harness show ring. 

A note about pedigrees

In a review of the pedigrees of these horses, certain names crop up again and again. The most influential of these include:

Rex Peavine 1899 (by Rex McDonald out of Daisy 2nd by Peavine) 

Edna May’s King 1918 (by Bourbon King out of Edna May by Rex Peavine) 

Stonewall King 1920 (by My King out of Gloriann by Rex Peavine)

King’s Genius 1924 (by Bourbon King out of Princess Eugenia by Chester Peavine)

Wing Commander 1943 (by Anacacho Shamrock out of Flirtation Walk by King’s Genius)

Will Shriver 1966 (by Callaway’s Johnny Gillen out of Kate Shriver by Anacacho Denmark)

Supreme Sultan 1966 (by Valley View Supreme out of Melody O’Lee by Anacacho Denmark).

Other good sires that repeat in the list—some from as far back as the early 19th century—include Artist, Blue Jeans, Cabell’s Lexington, Chubasco, Davy Crockett, Diamond Denmark, Grey Eagle, Jean Val Jean, Kalarama Rex, King William, Mambrino LeGrand, Montrose, Peavine, Ridgefield’s Genius and Varnon’s Roebuck.