Standardbred Horse Breed

Standardbred
A willing horse with an excellent temperament. Standardbreds excel in harness but are also excellent riding horses in dressage, jumping, trail, ranch and eventing.

Height
14 HH to 16 HH.

Colour
Bay, brown, black and chestnut.

Conformation

Head is intelligent looking with a sensible expression, kind eye and alert ears.
Neck is of medium length.
The back is short and strong.
Well defined withers.
The hindquarters are well muscled and powerful with a well rounded croup.
Shoulders are long and sloping.
Deep girth and good chest which allows plenty of room for the heart and lungs.
Tail is well set on.

History
The greatest influence to the breed came from a English Thoroughbred called 'Messenger' who sired many excellent trotters such as 'Hambletonian' which have subsequently, set the breed up as we know it today. In order for a Standardbred to join the register of trotters it is judged on the horses ability to cover a one mile distance in a set time. The time raced is currently 2.20 minutes for a 2 year old and 2.15 for a 3 year old. This time was originally 2.30 but had to be lowered as the ground conditions and start gates have improved and many horses are now covering the distance in 1.50.

Uses:

Harness Racing
Flat Racing
Stock Work
Trail And Ranch work
Eventing
Dressage
Jumping

Famous Fact
A Standardbred called 'Niatross' was the first harness horse to run the mile in less than 1 minute 50 seconds.

Standardbred Organization
The Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association of New South Wales Inc - The association works to preserve and promote this wonderfully versatile breed of horse.