A brief intro to Standardbreds horses

Have you ever seen the fast horses galloping in the races? Well, these horses are called Standardbreds, and they are known for their skill in Harness Racing, the fastest trotter in the world. In continental Europe all harness races are conducted between trotters. Standardbreds have less indulgent legs than the American pure blood race horses and more farsighted torsos. Often their hindquarters are several inches higher than their withers, which gives them power and thrust necessary to trot or pace at high speeds. Standardbreds are one color, usually chestnut. 

Standardbreds are cavalry alternative for Amish because they often find these inexpensive, sound horses at local auctioneers or compensate away the course. The horses handle the transition from the busy racetrack environment to the farm roads of the country. Standardbreds can be found ridden for pleasure or show in many disciplines: jumping, dressage, equitation, trail, Team Penning, endurance, gymkhana events, saddle seat, and even sidesaddle. There are even growing associations for racing Standardbreds under saddle - trotting or pacing, as they do in harness. Standardbreds race as either a pacemaker or a trotter. Trotter, as the name suggests, race at the traditional trot. 

Standardbreds are known for their skill in Harness Racing, the fastest trotter in the world. Usually these horses require good food and good protection during the winter and rain, breeders recommend using Rambo horse blankets or turnout horse blankets to protect this unique animals. Standardbreds are one color, usually chestnut, black or brown, they average 15 hands (60 in./160 cm) in height and weighs nearly 1,000 pounds (450 kg). Standardbreds will trot in some races where they need to trot out very quickly, while preserving their natural gait. If the horses break once and did not return immediately, they are disqualified from the race. 

Standardbreds have a wide range of height, 14.1 to 17 hands (57 "-66"), and usually bay or darker variation of the Bay-called "brown", but other colors such as chestnut and black are not uncommon. Gray and red are also found. Standardbreds are a relatively new breed, dating back just over 200 years, but it is a truly American breed. Standardbreds are bred for racing and command training earlier all-purpose riding. If trained correctly and consistently, they will adapt well to other tasks after retiring from racing.