OK, I am going to looking at two saddlebred horses that are near to us.  Very reasonably priced, but I don't really know anything about Saddlebred horses other than what I have read in books or seen in pictures.  I've always had quarter horses or TWH or grade.  Can someone tell me about them or what I should watch for?

Saddlebreds can be trained three or five gaited for the show ring.

They have a refined and elegant appearance.  While they are an "up" horse, that does not mean they are a difficult horse.

I had an Arab/Saddlebred cross that I raised from birth and put to sleep with cancer when he was 29.  He was by far the toughest, most rock solid, big-hearted, willing horse I ever owned.  Never bucked, kicked, bit, or reared a day in his life, but he was "up" and very big motored and also very easy to keep in-hand.

Here is a link that talks about their history.

http://www.american-saddlebred.com/asbhist.htm

Hopefully someone that owns purebreds will come in and comment.  I wouldn't hesitate to own one if I were younger, and had the room and the opportunity.  As it is, the 3 TWH's and one Arabian that are with me, are "it" for the rest of my days - lol

 They have alot of energy, very trainable. I started riding at a Saddlebred barn. But changed to huntseat, then dressage, and Saddlebreds at least around here, arent' trained/bred for those disciplines. So I switched to QH, TB, and then bought a Morgan (non gaited).

I had to answer, just for the sheer fact that Nova is a Saddlebred cross! :) As I've never had anything to do with a purebred before, I really can't add much else to the conversation. But I will say Nova's been very easy to deal with (even considering he's a 'dumb boy' ;) ).   

But I would like to add to check out the Modern-Saddlebred forums - I'm there, and while I don't post much, the ladies that do are very knowledgeable about the breed. They will gladly tell you more information.

Well, we went and looked at the horses last night.  I know why they were so reasonably priced now.  They are wild as deer; actually I've seen deer that were tamer than they were.  They were lovely, healthy looking animals, but in need of serious work.

An older couple that is in bad health were needing to rehome them.  They wanted to keep them together and they wanted someone who would give them a good home and take good care of them.  The horses had just been pasture pets that the folks loved to feed and watch.  They said that they had never been rode but they had been handled and led around and even saddled.  However, they had no ground manners at all that I could see - biting, pinning ears, kicking, pushing, rearing, jumping, etc.  I managed to get a halter on the younger one and while Vic was trying to lead her, the horse kicked her in the knee, stepped on her foot, and ran her into the fence.   The older one wouldn't even come to us, but tried to run the woman over when she brought their feed out to them.  It is a wonder that the horses hadn't hurt one of them.

I hope that she can find someone that can give them a good home and handle them.  But it wasn't us.  I usually know when I am out of my depth and this was one of those cases.  I don't even think someone could get them in a trailer to move these horses.

ummm-ummm-ummm.  What a sad story

I'm with you and also hope someone will take them and give them an education

I don't ride much anymore but I "handle" my four every day.  I can still "point and grunt" and they will all four listen at once, if need be.  Or I can single out whose going to the woodshed and the other ones will quietly walk off