Standardbreds are a versatile breed of horse that might not be as well known as their thoroughbred counterparts, but they are equally impressive. These horses are primarily recognized for their speed and versatility on the racetrack, but they are also capable of excelling in nonracing sports due to their unique qualities.
In this article, we will explore the Standardbred Equine Program and the advantages of adopting off-the-track Standardbreds for equestrian activities. We will also delve into the many qualities that make Standardbreds such a sought-after horse breed.
The Standardbred Equine Program and Nonracing Pursuits:
The United States Trotting Association (USTA) recognizes the potential of Standardbred horses and has partnered with several equestrian organizations to promote them for nonracing sports. This program aims to showcase the breed’s versatility and suitability in various equestrian disciplines.
The USTA is dedicated to supporting Standardbreds beyond their racing careers and helps transition them to a new life after the track. Many regional Standardbred organizations also promote the breed for nonracing activities.
These organizations host events, clinics, and shows to demonstrate the breed’s unique qualities to potential adopters. They also facilitate the adoption process by connecting interested individuals with trainers and owners who have off-the-track Standardbreds available.
These efforts have resulted in a growing interest in adopting Standardbreds for nonracing pursuits. Advantages of Adopting Off-the-Track Standardbreds for Equestrian Activities:
Off-the-track Standardbreds are horses that have retired from racing and need a new home.
These horses are typically well-trained and have a solid foundation in racing. Adopting an off-the-track Standardbred for equestrian activities offers several advantages, such as:
1.
Versatility: Standardbreds are a versatile breed, and their training for racing strengthens their natural athletic abilities. They are also generally open to new training and willing to please their handlers.
This makes them an ideal choice for riders who want to participate in various equestrian disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, or eventing. 2.
Affordability: Off-the-track Standardbreds are generally less expensive than other breeds of horses. This is because they have retired from racing and are available for adoption at a lower cost.
Adopting an off-the-track Standardbred can be a more affordable option for riders who want a horse for equestrian pursuits. 3.
Temperament: Standardbreds have a calm and easy-going temperament, making them suitable for riders of all skill levels. They are also known for their patience and tolerance, making them ideal for beginners learning to ride or those looking for a more relaxed partnership with their horse.
Qualities of Standardbreds:
Standardbreds possess several unique qualities that make them exceptional horses. Understanding these qualities can help you appreciate and select the right Standardbred for your equestrian pursuits.
1. Tolerance and Durability: Standardbreds are known for their tolerance and durability.
They can maintain their pace for extended periods, making them suitable for endurance racing. They are also quite tolerant of different riding styles, making them ideal for beginners and experienced riders alike.
2. Confidence and Great Mind: Standardbreds possess a confident and willing attitude that makes them ideal for training.
They are intelligent horses that respond well to positive reinforcement and have a great mind for learning new things. 3.
Strong Feet and Willing Attitude: Standardbreds have exceptionally strong feet due to their racing training. They are also quite willing to perform, which makes them a good choice for riders who want horses that are easy to ride and willing to please.
4. Endurance and Obedience: Standardbreds can go long distances without getting fatigued.
This quality makes them ideal for endurance racing, but also an excellent choice for riders who need horses that can make a long haul. They are also highly obedient horses that respond well to the rider’s commands.
5. Training and Experience: Standardbreds are highly trained horses due to their racing careers.
This training makes them highly responsive to commands, easy to ride, and quick learners. They are horses that are highly trained and have a lot of valuable experience on the track.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Standardbreds are a breed with many unique qualities that make them a great choice for equestrian activities. With their affiliation with the racing industry, Standardbreds may be unrecognized by some as a breed to look into for nonracing pursuits.
However, the breed’s natural abilities and willingness make them athletes capable of competing alongside other well-known breeds. Additionally, considering the affordability and trainability of off-the-track Standardbreds, they make for an ideal companion for riders of all levels.
Breed History:
Standardbreds are a breed that originated in the United States during the 19th century. The breed’s founder is Hambletonian 10, a racehorse born in 1849.
Hambletonian 10 was known for his athletic abilities, and his owners recognized his potential to pass on his qualities to his progeny. They began breeding him to mares with similar athletic abilities, which eventually resulted in the Standardbred breed.
The name Standardbred comes from the horses’ ability to race a mile at a specific established “standard” time. In the late 1800s, harness racing became a popular sport in the United States, and the Standardbred’s versatility made them the ideal horse for the sport.
They were also used for transportation and farming due to their strength and endurance. Over time, harness racing grew in popularity, and the Standardbred breed became the primary breed used in the sport.
Overtime, harness racing became a popular form of gambling, which evolved into creating the American Trotting Association (check on the name), which established breed standards, rules, and regulations for harness racing and the horses involved in the sport. Registration and Oversight of the Breed:
The Standardbred breed’s development led to the need for establishing an organization that would oversee breed standards, rules, and registration expectations.
The United States Trotting Association (USTA) was founded in the late 1800s. It is the governing body responsible for registering and standardizing the Standardbred breed.
The USTA ensures that horses meet a specific set of requirements to be registered as Standardbreds. These requirements include DNA testing, ownership verification, and a physical examination by a USTA-licensed veterinarian.
The USTA registration process ensures that the breed maintains a high standard of conformation, pedigree, and performance. Adoption Resources:
The United States Trotting Association recognizes the need for finding a second career for Standardbreds that have retired from racing.
The USTA has a list of adoption organizations on their website that provide various support and resources for people looking to adopt off-the-track Standardbreds. These organizations list horses available for adoption, provide basic health exams, and give feedback on whether the horse is suited for a particular equestrian purpose.
Off-the-track Standardbreds have specific training and experience in racing and possess unique qualities that make them an attractive choice for many different equestrian activities. Due to their solid mental and physical foundations, off-the-track Standardbreds are well suited to a variety of purposes that range from trail riding to horse shows, to therapeutic riding and even law enforcement’s mounted units.
When considering the adoption of an off-the-track Standardbred, the first consideration should be the horse’s intended purpose. Thorough assessments need to be made to ensure that the horse is a good fit for the rider’s preferences and experience level.
Aspects that should be taken into consideration includes; age, health, conformation and existing training. Once a potential prospect is identified, potential adopters should engage in a pre-purchase examination that assesses physical health issues, potential soundness issues, under-saddle behavior, and other pertinent details.
This kind of examination is recommended for any horse that is up for adoption, even in cases where the horse is being offered “as-is.”
The USTA recognizes that adoption isn’t always easy or straightforward, and some horses might have special requires that will need to be catered to; hence, the need for additional financial resources or specialized training may arise. Horse adoption processes are not always perfect, but they are worthwhile considering, most especially if you’re passionate about giving a horse a new life.
Conclusion:
Standardbreds’ unique qualities and versatility make them an ideal choice for many equestrian activities. Historically used for harness racing, Standardbreds have become a multi-tasking breed, able to perform in various disciplines.
Through their existing racing experience, off-the-track Standardbreds have a solid foundation for different equestrian activities. Their intelligence, tolerance, and endurance make them suitable for novice and experienced riders, adults or children and can provide individuals with a viable equestrian option at an affordable price.
The breed maintains a high standard of conformation and pedigree through the United States Trotting Association’s registration process, helping preserve the breed and its qualities. With the help of adoption organizations, these horses can retire from racing and transition into a second career, providing joy and pleasure to their new owners, while also sustaining a high quality of life.
In summary, Standardbreds possess a unique set of qualities that are ideal for different equestrian activities. Their versatility, durability, endurance, and affordability make them a great option for novice and experienced riders alike.
Thanks to the United States Trotting Association’s registration process and adoption organizations, off-the-track Standardbreds can have an opportunity for a second career and a new life. Standardbreds’ legacy and potential impact on the equestrian world are worth considering.
FAQ:
Q: What is the Standardbred Equine Program, and what is its primary goal? A: The Standardbred Equine Program is an initiative by the United States Trotting Association that aims to promote Standardbreds for nonracing pursuits and to showcase their versatility and unique qualities.
Q: What are some of the advantages of adopting an off-the-track Standardbred for equestrian activities? A: Adopting an off-the-track Standardbred can offer several benefits, such as versatility, affordability, and a well-trained horse with a solid foundation for multiple equestrian purposes.
Q: How does the United States Trotting Association ensure the breed’s standardization and registration? A: The United States Trotting Association is responsible for overseeing the breed’s standards, registration process and ensures that horses meet specific requirements before being registered as a Standardbred.
Q: What should one consider when adopting an off-the-track Standardbred? A: When adopting an off-the-track Standardbred, it is essential to consider the horse’s intended purpose, the horse’s health and age, and undergo a pre-purchase examination to assess the horse’s physical health issues, potential soundness issues, under-saddle behavior, and other pertinent details.
Q: What are some of the qualities that make Standardbreds ideal for equestrian activities? A: Standardbreds possess tolerance, durability, confidence, a great mind, obedience, and a lot of training and experience due to their career in racing, making them ideal for different equestrian activities.