Frequently
Asked Questions.
WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE STANDARDBRED?
With it's origins as a utility farm horse in America, the increased interest in harness racing in the early 1800's saw the breed developed into the fastest Harness Racing breed in the world. Along with Thoroghbred stallions like Messenger, many strong, agile breeds contributed to speed, stamina and trainability of the Standardbred. Hackneys, French Trotters, Norfolk Roadsters and Morgans all played a part. Never bred to physical type or standard (resulting in the wide variety of horses we see to today) the American Trotting Register was established in 1879 with only horses that could trot a standard mile in 2 minutes 30 seconds eligible for registration as Standardbreds. Sometimes they are mistakenly classed as "hot" like their Thoroughbred racing cousins but Standardbred is most prized by breeders, trainers and drivers for thier sensible, willing natures and ability to work as real team with their driver in a race situation.
HOW EASILY DO STANDARDBREDS RETRAIN TO SADDLE?
Generally, Standardbreds make the transition to saddle with great ease. They are not fazed by any saddle gear, are well mouthed and used to being worked. The only difference is that their driver is now on their back not in a cart. The main thing they have to do is learn to balance the riders weight as all the other elements of riding ( flexing, turns on the fore and hind quarter, gait transitions) can be taught on the ground.
Indie's first ride under saddle with Bronte
DO STANDARDBREDS HAVE GOOD MOUTHS?
It has to be remembered that, unlike the "point and shoot" nature of TB racing, harness horses have to be able to be driven. They drive from the stables to the track, are warmed up in a small ring, driven onto the track and then have to be positioned in their barrier draws behind a moblie barrier. During the race the drivers have to be able to manourvre the horses with through the field at very fast speeds and with great accuracy. Some Standardbreds do have the habit of leaning on the bit but we have found them very easy to retrain.
CAN STANDARDBREDS LEARN TO TROT AND CANTER?
They already know how!!! If you take a pacer straight from the track and let him go in the paddock does he pace to catch up with his friends? No - he trots, canters and gallops. The pace is a learned gait for most horses that has to be taught and maintained in training with the use of hopples. Standardbreds off the track just need to be taught that their working gaits are now walk, trot, canter instead of the pace. The trot is fairly easy to establish under saddle but the canter does take a little more time and patience. The OTT standie has to build up the balance and muscles required to be able to canter under saddle. Then the horse has to have the confidence in it's rider to know it can canter without being chastised, as this is what would have happened it the past. The developement of the canter under saddle for the OTT standie has to be seen as a goal that can be acheived by working through a number of stages on the ground and under saddle. It is not something that can be acomplished on its own or quickly. Believe me though, it is well worth it as all the standies I have ridden have marvelous rocking horse canters!
Rusty and Erin
WHY DO OFF THE TRACK STANDARDBREDS LOOK LIKE THEY ARE EWE NECKED OR UNDER WEIGHT?
The muscles developed by racing harness horses are very different from those of riding horses, in fact they are almost opposite. While riding horses build up a top line with a well developed neck along the mane, wither, back and rump muscles the harness horse developes a "bottom line" with the muscle under the neck being more pronounced, strong muscles under and along the barrel, shoulders and thighs. Although these horse are highly conditioned athletes it is this lack of top line that can make them appear ewe necked or underweight. Time and work will build up these top line muscles though and give the Standardbred a more traditional riding horse sillouette.
Slim - off the track Slim - 10 months under saddle
WHAT TYPE OF RIDING ARE STANDARDBREDS GOOD FOR?
Today, Standardbreds are taking part in a large range of equestrian sports - Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Hacking, Endurance and Carriage Driving, some at the highest levels. Where the Standardbred is gaining it's biggest following though, is a reliable, confident trail horse. Their easy going natures, good floating and tie up habits make them great horses to get out and about on. They retain their fitness well, are usually good doers and their settled nature means they do not require constant work. With the increasing popularity of trail riding and trail riding clubs this is where the Standardbred is finding a true niche, not because they are not capable of being high level compettition horses but because this what most people will value and love them as.
Craig and Nick
WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE A BAD OPINION OF STANDARDBREDS?
I think this may come back to having to recognise the fact that not all Standardbreds are suitable to go on to a life under saddle. In the past some Standardbreds have been sold or given to homes they were not appropriate for and it seems to only take one bad experience with a Standie ( or to hear about one) to colour people's opinion for life.
Although Standies are very quiet and easily started under saddle they do require some special training to make sure they fulfull their potential as a riding horse.
Some people are just very ignorant of the breed's abilities and cannot see them as being good for anything but racing. This is really the reason why we are so careful about working with a great network of trainers who want to promote the breed as much as we do, why we are very strict in what horses we take on and sell, and why we are very careful about matching horse and rider for a long, happy relationship together.
It also has to be said that the Standardbred in Austraila has changed a great deal in the past 10 years.With the introduction of new American bloodlines we are seeing a much more athletic standie who has a great deal of potential as a riding horse.
