About The Breed
The Standardbred is an American breed best known for its exceptional harness racing abilities, with some of the fastest trotters and pacers in the world. Its origins trace back to Messenger, an English Thoroughbred imported to the U.S. in 1788, and his great-grandson, Hambletonian 10, the breed’s foundation sire. The name “Standardbred” originates from early registration requirements, where horses had to complete a mile within a “standard” time. There are two gait types in the breed: trotters, with a diagonal gait, and pacers, with a lateral gait. Though bred for speed and stamina on the racetrack, Standardbreds are beloved for their docile temperament, strong work ethic, and adaptability, making them excellent companions for various equestrian activities.
Quest Info
Join me for a ride as we meet up with an off-track Standardbred named Luther. He came from Starting Gaits Standardbred Transition program and has quite the story!
