St. Louis National Charity Horse Show

Smiling young girl competitor atop horse

The Ins & Outs of Saddlebred Week:

Whup, Trot! After being created by generations of selective breeding in the United States, the American Saddlebred has come to be known as “the horse America made.” These horses are known for their beauty, talent, spirit and versatility. This special week of events highlights this versatility. Spectators will see horses ridden in Saddleseat, Huntseat and Western disciplines, and horses and Hackney ponies pulling carts and buggies.

For exhibitors converging at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show, Saddlebred Week is filled with numerous exciting and prestigious events. St. Louis typically hosts five National Championship Events for American Saddlebred Pleasure Horses thanks to Saddle & Bridle magazine, and the beautiful Shatner Country Western Pleasure Championships culminating the week on Saturday night. For equitation enthusiasts, we are pleased to host the Saddle & Bridle Pleasure Medallion Finals and MHSA Junior Saddle Seat Equitation Medallion.

Horses will demonstrate varying gaits from big, strong trots to slow steady jogs. Others will showcase the smooth slow-gait and exhilarating rack. Horses and ponies are judged on manners, performance, conformation and quality, depending on each class. Saddle seat equitation, however, is judged on the rider’s abilities and presence. It is an open division.