{"id":106,"date":"2010-08-08T22:51:52","date_gmt":"2010-08-08T22:51:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=106"},"modified":"2025-02-17T16:35:01","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T16:35:01","slug":"american-standardbred","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/american-standardbred","title":{"rendered":"American Standardbred Horse"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

This is a breed that actually earns its name, trotters and pacers are required to meet speed requirements prior to registration with their respective breed associations. Also called American Trotters, the Standardbred name comes from the qualifying standard time these animals must pass to register (a mile in under 3 minutes).
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Origins<\/h3>\n

The Standardbred breed originated with a single English Thoroughbred<\/a> stallion named Messenger. Similar to many Thoroughbreds of the time, Messenger was bred to run, but his lineage included Norfolk Trotter<\/a> blood. The flagship stud was brought to America in 1788 and bred to a variety of local Thoroughbred mares. It was quickly discovered that some of his progeny made excellent trotting horses and the breed was begun. Originally, every registered Standardbred could trace their existence to the grandson of this foundation stud. <\/p>\n

Official Breed<\/h3>\n

Today bloodlines run across the board, a variety of different (mostly gaited) breeds have been introduced over the years in the hopes of creating faster animals. The official stud book for this breed was formed in 1879 by the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders.<\/p>\n

Two Standardbred Types<\/h3>\n

Standardbreds can be found in two different types of racing, based on the gait they favor. <\/p>\n

Trotters<\/strong>
\nDiagonal gait – Legs on opposite sides move at the same time. This is a natural gait, however it is harder to keep a trotter on their stride at high speeds.<\/p>\n

Pacers<\/strong>
\nLateral gait – legs on the same side move at the same time. Approximately 80% of harness racers use this gait. The lateral pacing gait is ideal for harness racing.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 15.2 – 16 hands
\nResembles a heavy Thoroughbred<\/a> in conformation<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Head is large and may have convex profile
\nNeck is medium length
\nShoulders are powerful
\nHindquarters are muscular and strong
\nlegs are solid and refined<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

Any solid color<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Calm and bold
\nIntelligent
\nUnflappable<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Racing
\nShow horse
\nPleasure horse
\nBuggy horse
\nSport horses
\nRanch horse<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

*All links open in a new window<\/small>
\nUnited States Trotting Association<\/a><\/p>\n

Where to Buy<\/h3>\n

American Standardbred Adoption Program<\/a>
\nWalker Standardbreds<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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Video<\/h3>\n