Harry Callahan American Saddlebred Dressage horse

[EiffelForParis]

This is absolutely beautiful! I love the way the rider rides this horse, they make such a beautiful pair. They are absolutely stunning to watch! I know a lot of people don't use Saddlebreds for dressage because of their extra gaits but this goes to show you that Saddlebreds really are the ultimate horse! :)

[LindaC42]

@EiffelForParis Some saddle seat show Saddlebreds are taught the extra gaits of slow gait and rack. Harry only has walk, trot, and canter. Harry made it all the way to Grand Prix level by 2008. He now lives with his new amateur owner on the West Coast. He was a wonderful horse for me and I am so lucky to have found him and found Chrissa to train him. :)

[pvkris]

Just lovely

[triggerluver2000]

I have a cremello saddlebred mare.. she is my dressage prospect. She is a fantastic mover and i cant wait to see how she will do in training. She is 6 and we just broke her out and she never makes a big deal out of anything. Ive loved saddlebreds for a long time. I trained a National show horse for alta escuela recently. He learned the spanish walk FINISHED in 2 weeks no lie he just picked it up so fast naturally. They love thier frontends so getting them to work on it is just EASY.!

[gryphonkeen]

Saddlebreds are my fav breed. They are so under-recognized. I have a half-saddlebred doing 4th level that I have to sell to help pay for my degrees. But he is so great! I love saddlebreds!!

[tabbi20kat]

beautiful!



[TheBrainLick]

this saddlebred looks like a warmblood!

[Iberiansyes]

What a lovely dressage horse. What ignorant comments you got from people who assume a PSG horse in a double bridle is doing saddle seat. I rode a saddlebred as a dressage horse when I was a kid and he was VERY talented.

[mykaNbeau123]

Awesome dressage horse!

I have a saddlebred that I want to do dressage with and Harry has given me confidence that it can actually be done with a saddlebred! :D

[maxgretanew]

what a trot! Love that ASB!

[movinon5]

I love the fact that the rider during the test at 2:45 took the time to reward the horse. In most tests tough you get points taken of if you do that, which sucks.

[cynch1]

FOR SALE Saddlebred Dressage mare.  I love Harry! We have a wonderful ASB come into our barn that someone would have fun doing Dressage with! This mare was Never trained Saddleseat, only broke, then sent to our Dressage Farm 813-477-7466 Theresa in Florida.

[xHayleyBabex]

very good dressage work with this horse.

[WarmbloodJumper]

I want a saddlebred to do dressage with <3 I love the breed :)

[eventingjourney]

This is GREAT! Check out ucfevents , they have a amazing Saddlebred eventer, who was recently retired.

[orshuttergoddess]

Dr. Deb Bennett, PhD., analyzed the American Saddlebred in her Applied Conformation series (in Equus 225)

"For more than 100 years, American Saddlebreds have been produced for the purpose of carrying a riders weight comfortably and efficientlyI have never seen any Saddlebred horse - even a part bred - who did not readily perform the passage  Most have incredibly comfortable and coordinated canters as well I think they are the most neglected of all breeds suitable for dressage."

[Laughinghorsephotos]

I love this breed. If I had to sum the Saddlebred up in just a few words I would say intelligent and curious. I had one untie my sneaker a few weeks back while I was taking his picture, and when I went to get some long shots he posed as if he had been in front of a camera a thousand times. From my experience around Saddlebreds I am convinced they are one of it not the smartest breed.

[amberKaharuva]

i LOVE their high set necks!

[KatBailey33c]

so nice to see this! I wish there were more doing dressage then looking terrified with their head cranked in and chains on their legs and weighted giant shoes with a broken tail. What a happy horse, not plastic bag chasing this one to get his ears forward...

Makes me like saddlebreds, they use to be such an American working breed, nice to see them doing more then a saddleseat..

[magnamania]

He's very cool. I just got a 3 yr old Saddlebred gelding to use to learn Dressage. He's kind and sweet to ride. Seems to have a good work ethic too.

[merithoght]

Wonderful horse and rider! Saddlebreds are so smart and light. I love their people loving personalities. So much fun to have a breed that wants to do it. I love all breeds but saddlebreds are just extra special.

[meldawgal]

absolutely stunning! I once had a saddlebred/quarter horse cross, and you could really tell he had some ASB in him! I trained him in english pleasure and hunter, and he went along beautifully. He was gorgeous and had so much more scope than a purebred quarter horse. Nice to see ASBs being noticed in fields other than saddleseat! Bravo!

[DutchessCottonPuff]

Does anyone know how tall Harry is ??

[SKLaff]

This is great! I really like Saddlebreds but can't stand seeing them looking so unnatural with those broken tails and all hyped up. This horse really looks great - relaxed and happy!

[violiner2000]

Awesome horse and rider! Love Dressage and it's wonderful to see such a beautiful breed doing something other than saddleseat! Shows the versatility and intelligence of the animal.

[QHdressage]

It's nice to see a Saddlebred trained for dressage; offers proof this breed is good for something more than just it's traditional saddleseat, & that they can move quite naturally & correctly! It's a shame more people don't see the value of American breeds that are considered "non-traditional" for dressage. Thank you for exhibiting one of America's breeds in such a fine sport, & sharing your results with the equine community!

[kingdomhearts24]

I agree with you that people think saddlebreds can't do dressage because I have a saddlebred and everyone is telling me that I will have to get a differen't horse but I don't think so.

[nelsonreed]

I love how she openly pats him on the neck after the tempis. Obviously a compassionate trainer that can produce a happy horse. It would be nice if the same could be said for more dressage riders these days.

[firefly4tori]

First Saddlebred I've seen in a long time that looks like he hasn't lost his marbles! Excellent work!

[horselifer88]

how nice to see a saddlbred doing dressage! I hate to admit...I really dont care for saddleseat, but this gelding looks great and a heck of a lot more natural doing this! I remember my old trainer saying that they used to cross their jumpers with saddlbreds back in the day..and they were amazing jumpers.

[mightysquirrell]

I have had the pleasure of jumping a saddlebred cross :) He's old now, but he did 4' jumpers in A rated shows in his day. So that might explain him! He's weird looking, and has a weird canter, but he's one cool and talented horse.

This clip is great! Obviously a really nice horse, I would have assumed it was a TB if not for the description!

[nelsonreed]

jeopel and starshills, LOL. Thank you for bringing me a chuckle today. I've never encountered someone (other than a non-horse person perhaps) who didn't know the difference between saddleseat and DRESSAGE. And TWO of you to boot! I wish I was wearing a corset right now because I think my sides are about to split from laughing. This is a video of a highly trained horse and rider at the UPPER levels of dressage.

[coco6bean]

Great work Crissa. I used to ride a saddlebred stallion that was re-trained from saddleseat to do dressage and SJ. He was very light to the aids and comfortable. Why don't we all stop ripping on breeds of horses and love them for the joy they bring us and for their beauty. All diciplines of riding bring joy to those who ride them. To each his own grow up and stop critizing. One day someone my make a bad comment on you and you know how it feels.

[Laughinghorsephotos]

Well written Coco6bean. I photograph a lot of horses and to me they are all beautiful. I don't care if it is a Donkey, a Quarter Horse, A Saddlebred or a Clydesdale, they are all beautiful in their own way. We even have a mule here in the Carolinas named Buckwheat who has markings like a dun. If you go to horse shows and mention his name people know who he is. Not bad for a mule.

[LeaNulph]

"Saddleseat isn't nonsense, idiot. Have you ever even ridden in it? You know how hard it is?"

Saddleseat is very hard especially if you have never ever ridden anything close to it. I ride Hunt and was work and NSH and holy shit was it ever hard to keep up with her.

Crissa & Harry keep up the good work and great stewardship fhor your breed!!!

[elimelby]

I love saddlebreds :D

[jeopel]

They look much prettier when they aren't doing that saddle seat nonsense!

[StarHillsGeno]

Saddleseat isn't nonsense, idiot. Have you ever even ridden in it? You know how hard it is?

[jeopel]

No, I just think it looks ridiculous. Its a personal opinion. I'm glad you enjoy it.

[StarHillsGeno]

Sorry about that comment I made. I got caught in a bad mood. Dx It is actually fun if you try it. And not all Saddlebreds are high-stepping. But if you look in the video, she still has a double bridle, and that's Saddleseat.

[LindaC42]

A double bridle is a requirement at the FEI levels of Dressage. This is not Saddle Seat.

[Louise0pel]

side note: it's me that's commenting! I keep forgetting to log in as myself...

[joekid122]

iv never liked saddlebreds untill i saw how beautifull yours is... AAAA + =)

[JohnnyDeppsWife74916]

Thanx for posting that! It is awsome! I own a mixed breed, a Quarter Horse, and a top level Grand Prix Dressage horse that is woth 25,000 dollars. His name is Van Gogh.

[bessbyron]

How beautiful!!! This just shows how versitile and wonderful Saddlebreds are!!

[JerseyPender]

And people(anti Saddlebreds) say Saddlebreds can't do Dressgae. Give me a break! Saddlebreds are the best!

[luvmick11]

Linda & Harry-

You both are amazing! You should put on an exhibition at the World Championships...this is what Saddlebreds are really about: versatility. Harry's movements are so fluid and natural...I love him! Keep up the amazing work! ~Sarah

[Dkztoz]

Wow he is good

[WalkInTheSun10]

you look really nice. your horse is beautiful and a great mover. congrats!

[WisteriaLane19]

I have to make a comment on the "legs flapping" comment and the responses. Your legs are supposed to follow the movement of the horse, but "leg flapping" is common fault that many excellent riders have. It also happens more when the rider is tense...which I believe this rider made a comment saying she was indeed tense. I think overall this was a nice ride, and her legs were not that bad. And good for you for showing a breed that is fairly uncommon in the sport of dressage.

[FrozenDinner1101]

I find Saddlebreds absolutely stunning.

I find it so surprising when people think that the only thing they can do is be Park horses. I own two Saddlebreds, one a mare and one a gelding. I have shown my gelding Hunter on the flat and in jumping competition against every other breed. I have also shown him Country Pleasure. I show my mare show pleasure, Park and Driving.

[TWHEventer]

I think this is an awesome testiment to the breed. Not a lot of people belive I taught my Walker to event, which involves dressage, but I did. he doesn't gait, and he loves eventing. We're getting ready to our first 1st level test tomorrow, and hopefully move up t training level eventing this year. anyone who says different breeds can't do different things is wrong.

[xsoliloquy]

haha. wow..that was breathtaking. o.o

i own a Saddlebred, and I do country pleasure with him...soon to be show pleasure..but, I think Harry is amazing. Everyone should give ASB's a chance..i've ridden them /all/ my life.

[moonlit81]

Hi there.. I ride/train/show/breed TN Walkers...but I really enjoyed watching Harry show and do his thing. I wish I had a horse like him to show dressage that qualified at USDF/USEF/etc...I like his style.Any more for sale?

[chrissa1]

Thanks to all who have commented on this video. It's not the best considering we had never ridden the freestyle, and had 24 hours to prepare. Yes,he is extremely tense, considering it was a night, under lights in front of a very large crowd. Yes, there is a lot of tension on this video,and yes, my legs are flapping like mad, but b/c he was so "up" and not over his back, there wasn't really a place to sit..:)but regardless, we are proud of him..he stayed focused and did the best he could!

[lifelike001]

haha chrissa you and harry are such stars. all i could think was how much SWANK he has! great work from a wonderful combination :D if thats flapping like mad, then id kill for your flapping - gosh that sounds a bit mad *L*

[ripleyuk]

you both look great, nobodys perfect, competition would be dull if you were,i enjoyed watching, well done

[heyheyhey323]

haha im in love with saddlebreds ... I myself am not into the whole hunter seat or dressage on them but i do think they look beautiful doing it. I love to see it when any good horse does well and this is a very beautiful horse and just because hes a saddlebred doesnt mean hes no suited for dressage as some people seem to be commenting on ... it is also a very good rider/horse combination ... great job! he looks great

[angyllaydying]

Go Harry and Chrissa!

I personally wish everyone would give the Saddlebred a fair chance. I'm certain that if the title and description did not read 'Saddlebred', that some of these comments would not be so harsh towards Harry. Saddlebreds are extremely versatile, and I think it's a real shame that some many are against them simply because of their breed.

[HollyHock1979]

I second that! My ASB is not only a 4th level dressage horse, but he has won hunters, show pleasure, driving, halter, and oh yeah.. he's 5 gaited. Until someone has ridden a few Saddlebreds and truly felt how different they are to train/ride/show, they don't have room to be critical! Not to mention this is a fairly young horse, you can't start a Saddlebred the way so many start TBs and QHs -- at 16 months or earlier. What a statement for our breed!

[baylee93]

To saddlesforsale, American Saddlebreds are VERY versatile. They can be used for hunter, hunter o/ fences, reining, barrels, cross country, dressage, and any sport in the horse world. Not just warmbloods do Dressage.

[equestrian4life]

As usual, Harry looks and performs stunningly! I just love this horse! One of these days I hope to meet him face to face to thank him and Chrissa and his owner for doing such a fine job with this awesome son of Supreme Heir.

[Ghazzu]

Nice horse, and I love the music!

[equipoize]

Very nice to see a horse carry himself so well up in front! Love to see a Good ASB doing FEI dressage. Keep on Keeping on! Love the music selection as well!

[xArbensxMusicx]

Go Harry!! Oh and good luck to you and Chrissa next show season.

[LindaC42]

You are entitled to your opinion, but this horse went on to finish in the top 1/3 of all PSG horses in the United States this year with his high scores in traditional Dressage competition of 68.75% and 67.5%. He is never going to the Olympics but he did qualify for Dressage at Devon this year and yes, he can collect.

[bddc1121]

I agree. Harry is a happy horse, and rider is lovely and soft with super seat and quiet hands.

[LindaC42]

This was an exhibition ride in an unfamiliar arena with blasting music with a Freestyle he had only been through once before. He is not perfect but it is still a beautiful horse and rider combination.

[saddlesforsale]

Nice horse but not suited for dressage. The horse never collects under him. He's too long in the back and a high ported head does not mean the horse is collected. Nice horse indeed though - pleasent to look at and good rider i wish i rode like her !!!

[DeirdreSabo]

I am impressed..he is very talented

[kieferlove]

the legs are supposed to flap in dressage due to being loose and in sync with the horse also going crooked down the center line is called a leg yeild DUH

[xxkali26xx]

haha more like a halfpass, if they did leg yeild in FEI i would be doing those test too!!lol

[psychoasslisa]

it's really too bad that people don't use the american saddlebred more in dressage.

[SonofMystery]

Nice horse. Too bad he traveled crooked up the center line, looked off by K, didn't bend around his corners, and his riders legs were flapping like mad. Aren't the aids in dressage supposed to be virtually invisible?

[bddc1121]

I think you need to watch more dressage -rider's legs should be aiding, not stuck in one place. too bad we cant critique your 4th level video...

[highhorse313]

American Saddlebreds are magnificent!