Standardbred Horses

The standardbred is recognised for its ability to race in harness, either at a trot or a pace, rather than under a saddle in jump and flat races. This breed of horse was developed in North America and its unique characteristics make it an ideal competitor in harness races. The standardbred has a well-muscled, long body; however, it is smaller and heavier than the thoroughbred. With its solid legs and powerful shoulders, the standardbred is perfectly suited for the pulling of the sulky (term for the cart used in harness racing). The standardbred naturally prefers to pace or trot, rather than the canter and the gallop favoured by its thoroughbred relatives.

Pacing and trotting are the two gaits favoured by the standardbred horse, which are used only in harness racing. Pacing is a lateral gait, meaning the horse moves front and hind legs on the same side of his body in unison (i.e. front and hind right forward, front and hind left back, etc.). Trotting is a diagonal gait, meaning the horse will move the right front leg and left hind leg, and the right hind leg and left front leg in unison respectively.

Almost every pacer and trotter active today will be able to trace his lineage back to one horse, the legendary Messenger. Although Messenger was a thoroughbred horse himself, he sired a long line of standardbreds after being exported from England to North America in 1788. One of Messengers most famous descendants was the prolific Hambletonian 10, also known as Rysdyk's Hambletonian, born in 1849. Originally misunderstood, like all great artists, Hambletonian 10 was sold for very little money by his wealthy owner to the stable hand William Rysdyk, who had taken a shine to the odd-looking foal. Hambletonian 10 sired 1.335 foals in 24 seasons as an active stud, making him - and extension his great-grandfather messenger - the largest producer of standardbreds in the world. Deservingly, Hambletonian 10 has been inducted into the Immortals category in the Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

Because of their superior speed and talent for harness racing, the standardbred is often called upon to interbreed with other breeds of harness racers, such as the Orlov Trotter and the French Trotter, in hope of upgraded ability within the next generation. However, the standardbred is no one-trick-pony. Their even temper and potential to perform varied gaits makes the standardbred a respectable candidate for show riding events. They are also occasionally used in the sport horse disciplines of hunt seat, show jumping, show hunter and eventing. Retired standardbreds, or those who are simply not chosen for a life of harness racing, make excellent companions for pleasure and trail riding. Their stamina and good disposition make them favourites as ranch horses and the preferred carriage horse for the Amish people.