American Standard bred

[lesley1055]

Hi, i'm new to this site and was wondering if any of you guys know much about American standard breds?.

I bought one last week, i know they are bred to be trotters but this one has never been raced as a trotter, and in the field seems to prefer canter to trot.

He is only 4 years old so still a baby, would be great if any of you had any information about the breed.

Thanks.

[Abserd]

Hi and welcome to NR!

Can't help you i'm afraid but it's funny you should ask because i've often wondered about what exactly a Standardbred is?

Hope someone can shed light on this for me too!! :D

[julia gulia]

Welcome to NR.
This link may help

http://horses.about.com/od/breeds/p/standardbred.htm

[Abserd]

Ooh, thanks JG! :)

[Lauran]

Welcome to NR. Don't have much info on the Standardbred myself. There used to be one on my livery yard when I was young who had never been raced either. He had a different type of trot to "normal" horses but was very competent (and VERY lovely) in all three paces. I don't seem to remember him favoring canter to trot though. But he was older and had been well schooled. He also had a very sweet nature...quite a distinct personality. Good luck with your new horse, he sounds lovely....do you have any photos perchance??

xx

[lesley1055]

Hi Lauren, thanks for your reply. Harvey also has a sweet nature, and when i rode him his 3 paces were lovely, allthough he does need lots of flatwork. Haven't ridden him since we got him though as he needs to gain weight.


When he trots is when i can tell the difference, he does feel different but very comfortable. I do have some pictures, but will take some new ones to put on here.

Harvey was underweight when we bought him, but is filling out, he has gained 12 Kgs in the last week and a half!!!!.(feel like a new mum saying how much her baby has gained!!). So will try to get some photos of the fuller Harvey tonight or tomorrow.

Thanks to everyone for replying. And if anyone has any more information, gratefully received.

[Jen_e_Jen]

I don't know a huge amount about them, but I do know that some are pacers(raced w/sulkys) and some are trotters. When I was looking I actually looked into them a bit and everything I read said that they have wonderful personalities and are very athletic.

[kittyrider]

I've got a 16.1hh standardbred - american sire. Looks like a TB but a bit more bone, quite a wide back and more squarish head. Very clever and learns far too quickly for his own good, very willing in his work and quite hardy (very good doer) although like a TB the slightess scratch gets infected really quickly!! My vet said StB's mature later than other breeds - I would agree with this in my case, at 8 he was more like your normal 5 year old. Really natural jumper but he's also got one hell of a buck when he puts his mind to it!! (possibly the reason for his racing career to come to an end.