Standardbred: A True American Breed

The origins of the Standardbred trace back to Messenger, an English Thoroughbred foaled in 1780 and later exported to the United States. Messenger was the great-grandsire of Hambletonian 10, to whom every Standardbred can trace its heritage. Standardbreds are a relatively new--but true American--breed.

The name "Standardbred" originated because the early trotters were required to reach a certain standard for the mile distance in order to be registered as part of the new breed. The mile is still the standard distance covered in nearly every harness race.

While Thoroughbred racing has long been known as the sport of kings, the dependable, athletic Standardbred brought racing to the common man, first between neighbors on community roads, and later at state-of-the-art racetracks.

In many respects, the Standardbred resembles the Thoroughbred. However, it is often more muscled, longer in body, and does not stand as tall, averaging between 15 and 16 hands. The head is bigger and may even sport a Roman nose. This breed appears in varying colors, although bay, brown and black are predominant. Standardbreds weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds and are known for their docile personalities and willing temperaments.

Standardbred Racing
Standardbred racing is contested on two gaits: the trot and the pace. Pacers move in a lateral gait, which means they move both legs on the same side forward in unison. Trotters move in a diagonal gait. For example, their left front and right rear legs move forward simultaneously, and then the right front and left rear legs follow together.

Any trotter or pacer who breaks into a canter or gallop during a race must be pulled back to its correct gait and lose ground to its competitors or be disqualified from the race.

Information and photo provided by the US Trotting Association, www.ustrotting.com.