This is the BIG horse show in the Saddlebred world

Tags

American Saddlebred Horses, Howard Schatzberg photograph, Kentucky, Kentucky State Fair, Kentucky State Fair World's Championship Horse Show, Louisville

Howard is the official photographer for this horse show. His photos are fabulous!

Here is another one from this evening’s show. Again, this is a Howard Schatzberg photograph.

This is the week! The Kentucky State Fair World’s Championship Horse Show is taking place this week in Louisville, Kentucky. If you are a lover, rider or owner of the American Saddlebred Horse, this is where you aspire to show. The horse show, considered the most prestigious event of the year, is held in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair. The show attracts people from all across the country and the world including more than 2,000 horses competing for over $1 million in awards. Two other breeds of horses are shown with the Saddlebred; the Standardbred and the Hackney pony.

American Saddlebred horse originated in Britain during the Middle Ages but the modern horse was developed in the American colonies and bred to Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Morgans. What sets it apart is it’s four-beat ambling gait. By the time of the American Revolution, the breed type was established but refined throughout the 19th century.

The horse show dates back to 1902 and has been held every year except in 1904, and 1945 when the fair was canceled due to war.

I have compiled a few photos of the event taking place now. If you click on the following link, you can watch the show as it takes place. You will have to allow for time changes. Louisville, Kentucky is in the American Eastern time zone. Classes take place in the morning begin at 9am ET, break for the afternoon and resume around 6pm. Qualifying classes take place all week with the championship classes on Saturday night.
http://www.usefnetwork.com/featured/2013KSFWCHS/
You can also get information about other disciplines in the horse world from this website.

Please check the live feed at least once this week. These are amazing athletes.

Maybe next year I will be there. My daughter is also watching this show and she is busy compiling a list of horses that she wants us to buy. HA!
Oh yes, your eyes do not deceive you. The footing (on the ground) is indeed bright green!