Anything But Standard
Racing and Ridden Standardbreds
Standardbred FAQs
Where does the Standardbred get its Origins?
In the 17th century, the first trotting races were held in the Americas, usually in fields on horses under saddle. However, by the mid-18th century, trotting races were held on official courses, with the horses in harness. Breeds that contributed foundation stock to the Standardbred breed included the Narragansett Pacer and the Canadian Pacer, English Thoroughbreds, the Norfolk Trotter, the Hackney, and the Morgan. Breeders selected bloodlines that would produce the fastest horses, with one of the most notable sires being the grey English Thoroughbred stallion Messenger, who was exported to the United States in 1788. He produced both runners and trotters.
Messenger's descendant, the legendary Hambletonian 10, also known as Rydysk's Hambletonian, was born in 1849. He was sold for the grand total of 125 Pounds, his owners thinking he was 'worthless'. He would later become one of the most prolific sires of Standardbreds today, with nearly every trotter or pacer tracing its lineage back to him.
The name "Standardbred" was first used in 1879, due to the fact that in order to be registered, every Standardbred had to be able to trot a mile within the "standard" of 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Today, many Standardbreds race much faster than this original standard, with several pacing the mile within 1 minute, 50 seconds, and trotters only a few seconds slower than pacers. Slightly different bloodlines are found in trotters than pacers, though both can trace their heritage back to Hambletonian.
Can Standardbreds Trot and Canter?
Of course they can... It's a myth that they can't!!
Most Standardbreds freely trot and canter in the paddock. In fact, if you go down to the local harness track on a Saturday morning, you'll often see horses being jogged at the trot, or even cantered in the cart (termed as "galloping" in the harness circle).
So why the pace? It's simply a quicker and more ground-covering gait than the trot. While their are indeed trot races, pacing is the more predominant of the two gaits.
When taking in an off the track (OTT) Standardbred, we need to remember that often for years, the horse has been trained to use his muscles in a completely different way.
The pace is a very lateral gait, and the horse is pulling into the cart rather than pushing. Because of this, they build muscles in an "upside down" manner. Rather than forming a topline like any other 'typical' performance horse, they form more of a "bottom line" ...
Rebuilding these muscles takes time! It's not that they can't do it, or they're too stupid to learn; they are simply conditioned both mentally and physically in a totally different way. The topline has to be built, and the bottom line loosened up!!
Remember, this is their 2nd career! It's our job to help teach them their new job.
What Disciplines Are Standardbreds Good For?
How long is a piece of string?
The humble Standardbred is like any other horse - they can move freely into any discipline that suits them, provided they have the proper training.
They are seen in Dressage, Eventing, Hacking, Pony Club, Trail (both competetive and pleasure) and Endurance. In fact, the Standardbred is fast becoming a hit in the Endurance world, particularly in the "heavy weight" classes where the horse carries a rider over 80kgs. Their attitude, willingness and stamina make them ideal, not to mention that most Standies have already "been there and done that" so aren't fazed about most things they encounter.
Endurance Riders have even been known to keep the pace as an additional gait when competing. Why? It's a less labour intensive and more ground-covering movement than the trot, and when you're used to it, the pace is a comfortable ride! There's no need to rise, just let your hips swing free and enjoy the ride - perfect for those with a bad back!
What Size and Colour Do They Come In?
Standardbreds come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from 14hh to well over 17hh.
While bay and brown are the most predominant colours, you can also find Standardbreds in grey, roan, chestnut, black and the less common and quite striking pinto colouring.
So, Why a Standardbred?
The Standardbred is highly plyable, and bred to be trainable. They are intelligent and quick lto learn, whilst being calm and responsive in almost any situation.
Most Standardbreds, whether they actally make the races or not, have undergone hours of intensive training and handling. They've been there, done that, and got the postcard! While this doesnt extend to ridden work, they have worn more gear than they would ever see while in a saddle career, they have regular vet/farrier/dentist visits and they often work both in company and alone. Adding a saddle and rider is just one more notch in the Standy's accompishment belt!
And lastly because, they deserve a life after racing!
