Breeds of Horses

- Standardbred

The Standardbred was developed in the United States during the 19th century and is used primarily for harness racing. The foundation sire of this breed was the English Thoroughbred Messenger (1780-1808), imported to the U.S. in 1788. His offspring, which possessed great trotting ability, were crossed with other breeds and types, especially the Morgan, to produce fast trotters and pacers. Messenger's great-grandson, Hambletonian, (1849-76) was an outstanding sire whose descendants now dominate the breed.

Standardbreds process great stamina and endurance, closely resembling the Thoroughbred, they are usually smaller, having longer and lower bodies, flatter ribs and heavier bones. Height and weight vary considerably, but averages 15-16hh (60-14 inches, 152-163 centimeters) and 900-1000 pounds (410-450 kilograms). Bay is the most common color, but brown, black, chestnut and gray are also found.

The name Standardbred originated in the early development of the bred when horses were registered in the official stud book if they could meet certain standards of speed - like trotting a mile in 2 1/2 minutes. The official history of the breed dates from the establishment in 1871 of the National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders, which was succeeded by the American Trotting Register, now the United States Trotting.