Standardbred Horses
A complete guide to Standardbred horses
The Standardbred horse originated in North America and is known for its powerful hindquarters, legs and shoulders. Sometimes called "trotters" or "pacers," Standardbred horses are long-bodied, muscular animals with generally pleasant dispositions.
History
The name "Standardbred" stems from the fact that these horses had to be able to trot a mile in the "standard" time of 2 minutes and 30 seconds to be officially registered as a member of the breed. All Standardbred horses can trace their lineage back to the legendary and prolific sire Hambletonian 10, the son of a thoroughbred horse imported from England. Hambletonian 10's offspring were selectively bred to engineer the fastest horses possible.
Uses
The Standardbred horse is primarily used in harness racing. Like their thoroughbred horse cousins, they are also excellent jumpers, making them suitable for show jumping and events. Their friendly temperament also makes them a good choice for pleasure riding.
Appearance
Body Size: Ranging in height from roughly 14 to 17 hands high (hh; a "hand" being a unit of equine measurement equivalent to approximately 4 inches), or 57 to 66 inches, these horses are slightly shorter than their thoroughbred cousins, but they're thicker and sturdier. The average weight of an adult ranges from about 1,000 to 1,300 pounds.
Color and Patterns: While they're usually solid bay in color, chestnut brown and black are also relatively common coat colors. Blue roan Standardbred horses are rare but prized for their beauty. A distinctive tobiano coat pattern is also seen in some animals, particularly those bred in New Zealand.
Caring for a Standardbred Horse
Feeding: Animals kept for pleasure riding and private use will generally be fine with two daily feedings comprised mainly of roughage. Make sure the horse has access to a salt or mineral lick. Show horses and racehorses have special horse feed requirements which should be discussed with an equine nutritionist.
Grooming: Daily hoof care is essential to prevent foot infections. Most privately kept Standardbred horses need at least a weekly brushing, though show animals must be carefully groomed on a daily basis.
Health Problems: Most of the major horse health issues besetting the breed stem from their prominence in racing. Tendon, foot, ankle and ligament problems are relatively common. Equine arthritis is also a prominent issue in aging Standardbred racehorses.
Life Expectancy: A healthy Standardbred horse will usually live to be about 25 years old.
Finding Standardbred Horses for Sale
Seek reputable breeders with Standardbred horses for sale if you want to buy a young animal or mating pair. Prices range considerably, depending on the animal's age and lineage. Prices start at about $1,000 for an average foal of undistinguished parentage. Racing Standardbred horses for sale that come from proven bloodlines command tens of thousands of dollars, sometimes even more.
Standardbred horse adoption is a common alternative to purchasing a foal. The costs associated with keeping a horse add up over time, and owners who can no longer meet their financial responsibilities seek buyers to take over ownership. Calling local horse stables can yield leads if you want to go this route.
