THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDBRED
Originally bred for harness racing, the Standardbred has only recently begun to be recognised in other equestrian activities.
Even though the Standardbred has been classed as a breed since 1897, and entered in the American Trotting Register since 1882 because of the original requirement to trot or pace a standard mile in 2 minutes 30 seconds, most people have not accepted the Standardbred as a breed assuming it to be a mongrel bred horse.
Slowly, but surely, the Standardbred is making waves in the equestrian world. Below is a list of some world renown Standardbreds and their achievements for excellence in sport.
Jenny Camp (owner) Silver medal winner in the 1932 and 1936
Olympic Games.
Jenny's horse was a Standardbred.
Halla achieved success in many world class competitions. ridden by Hans Winkler
Kayla 1992 Canadian High-Point Endurance Champion.
Ultimate Rancher Show jumper successfully competing in Australia.
Double Take partbred champion show jumper ridden by Mark Todd
The ultimate dressage horse is till in the making. Some Warmblood breeders are now breeding with Standardbred mares in order to achieve the best. These breeders realise that the Standardbred has a lovely, natural, elevated and forward movement perfect for dressage. The Standardbred's strong bone structure also adds to the strength of the horse.
With the help of the SPPHAV, the Standardbred will become truly recognised as a pleasure and performance horse as well as an exhilarating harness racer.
SPPHAV January 1994. |
If you know of a Standardbred that deserves to be added to this list please email newsletter@spphav.com.au