Watch as professional American Saddlebred trainer Smith Lilly reveals five expert tips that make a winning American Saddlebred saddle seat or driving horse.

About This Video

Professional American Saddlebred trainer Smith Lilly details the top five factors that make an American Saddlebred a winner in the show ring and discusses training methods, Saddlebred shoes, the Saddlebred’s natural head carriage and motion, and more.

To learn more about the American Saddlebred horse, please visit the American Saddlebred Horse Association and US Equestrian’s American Saddlebred page.

Key Principles:

  • Conformation and Quality
  • Training and Care
  • Manners
  • Presence
  • Performance

About The Expert

Smith Lilly
Smith Lilly
Owner/Trainer, Mercer Springs Farm

Smith Lilly’s family owns Mercer Springs Farm in Princeton, West Virginia, and Lilly himself joined the operation officially in 1995 after serving apprenticeships under Nelson Green, Mitch Clark, Larry Barbee, and Fred Sarver. Lilly and his wife Alexandra—a former top equitation and junior rider—have presented the winners of more than 100 world championship titles. Lilly is first vice-president of the United Professional Horsemen’s Association, chairs the American Saddlebred Horse Association Kentucky and National Futurity Committees, and is a member of US Equestrian’s American Saddlebred Rules Committee. He is also the author of the book Saddle Seat Horsemanship.

To learn more about Smith Lilly, please visit his Facebook page.