Standardbreds

The Standardbred horse is athletic and intelligent, well suited for many uses beyond the racetrack. There are a number of resources available for an off the track Standardbred.

STANDARDBREDS

The Standardbred is a beautiful, gentle breed of horse that is affectionate and easy to work with. The breed comes in many colors, with bay (a light brown) and brown being the most dominant. They weigh between 800 and 1,200 lbs. and are known for their willing temperaments. The beginnings of the Standardbred breed can be traced back to the horse Messenger, a gray Thoroughbred who was brought to the U.S. in the 18th century.


Virtually every North American Standardbred can be traced back to Messenger’s great-grandson, Hambletonian 10. The name “Standardbred” originated because the early trotters were required to reach a certain standard of time for the mile distance in order to be registered as part of the new breed. Harness racing is based in tradition and history, but the Standardbred breed continues to evolve each year. It’s amazing to watch these incredible animals reach new levels of speed and excellence.


So much more than Racing

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE U.S. TROTTING ASSOCIATION



Standardbred owners and harness racing enthusiasts can join the US Trotting Association to get access member benefits and great discounts on data!

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