In 1849 Hambletonian 10, the foundation sire of the American Standardbred was born. His offspring went on to set records in the harness racing world.
The name refers to the “standard” that was set in 1879 that established a certain speed requirement (three minutes to a mile) before registration was allowed.
Today, the Standardbred competes in harness racing all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Europe. The typical racing length is one mile, and both trotters and pacers (where horses trot in lateral paired legs rather than diagonal) are raced.
Retired racers are favored by the Amish for pulling buggies. They are also retrained under saddle for both English and western disciplines.
The Standardbred is one of the foundation breeds for the Tennessee Walking Horse.
The limbs and hocks of the Standardbred are very strong and able to withstand the constant pounding that trotting and pacing speed requires.
It stands an average of 15.3 hands high and comes in all solid colors with brown, black and bay the most prominent. Blue and red roan are also seen.
United States Trotting Association, www.ustrotting.com
Further Reading:
This breed profile was originally published on December 15, 2006.
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
When standing near a Belgian Draft Horse, it’s easy to feel small—intimated, even. But the…
If you appreciate sport horses of many different breeding backgrounds, types and colors, the American…
Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful…
Whether you’re drawn to their size, strength, or gentle nature, the biggest horses in the…
I had just flopped onto my couch, remote in hand. Sunny, one of my teenage daughters, breezed through the front…
For successful saddle fitting, it is as important to address the dynamic stability of the rider as it is the…
Economically speaking, 2023 was a less than banner year for most Americans, and charitable organizations that rely on public donations…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
After growing up horsey, Nancy still held on to her identity as a “horse girl” even when she hadn’t ridden…
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 29, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…