Horse

About American Standardbreds

The American Standardbred is a breed of horse that originated in North America. A variety of breeds contributed to the development of the American Standardbred, though its origins can be traced back to a Thoroughbred stallion by the name of Messenger who was brought from England to the United States in the late 18th century. Messenger was father to several racing horses, one of whom yielded the line that ultimately created all American Standardbreds, starting with Messenger's great-grandson, Hambletonian 10.

The name of the American Standardbred first came into official use in the late 19th century, and originated from the requirement that a horse must be able to trot a mile in the "standard" time of two and a half minutes or fewer in order to be registered. The breed registry for the American Standardbred was first created in 1879 by the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders in the U.S.

In build, the American Standardbred is more muscular, bulky, and long than the Thoroughbred, but is still refined in appearance. Height varies notably among American Standardbreds; an American Standardbred can measure between 14 and 17 hands in height. However, the average American Standardbred stands at 15 to 16 hands tall. It typically weighs between 800 and 1,000 pounds.

The majority of American Standardbred horses are bay, black, or simply brown, though some may be chestnut. The American Standardbred may also be gray or roan, though this is seen less often.

Each American Standardbred has a tendency towards either trotting or pacing. Those who trot and those who pace each have distinct bloodlines, though both bloodlines share many commonalities and begin with the same horse, Hambletonian 10. The American Standardbred can also perform gaits other than the trot or the pace.

The American Standardbred horse has remarkable speed and stamina, with many trotting a mile in less than the standard time of two minutes and 30 seconds that was used in the 19th century. In fact, the American Standardbred is the fastest trotting horse in the world. For this reason, it is often used in harness racing. In the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, specific races for both trotters and pacers are conducted, while in continental Europe, harness racers are held only for trotters.

While the American Standardbred is best known for its prowess in harness racing, it is also used as a show horse and for pleasure riding. The American Standardbred is a very popular choice to pull light buggies, especially among the Amish, who rely on such buggies for transportation. Additionally, it is good at jumping, and is therefore also used in show jumping and eventing. The American Standardbred is also used in dressage.