WHY ?
This is probably the first thing people will say when you mention you are thinking of getting a Standardbred.
Well, these are the reasons I decided to get a Standie and why I think so many other people are making that decision now too.
Standardbreds have been bred to be trainable. They are intelligent, adaptable and above all else have a good work ethic that adds to thier ability to make the transition from harness to saddle. In a strategic race sport where the ability to decelerate is as important as outright speed, Standardbreds have been selectively bred for calmness and responsivness in even the most stressful situations.
Candy and Pieta - first ride outside the arena
They undergo intensive handling and training to prepare them for racing so even if they never make it to the race track they have had hours and hours of contact with thier handlers and trainers. This means that although they may have never been ridden under saddle they are easy to float, shoe, rug and tie up. They have usually been exposed to a wide range of noises and sights that means they confident in new situations and place a lot of trust in their handler/rider/boss.
Cash being tacked up for a race
Physically the Standardbred is built for stamina and strength. They are heavier boned than Thoroughbreds but not as heavily muscled as the Quarter Horse. This gives them the potential to be a great all rounder. In the past the Standardbred was considered and "ugly" breed but the injection of new blood into the Australian lines from America mean we are seeing Standies that are being mistaken for Thoroughbreds, Stock Horses, Warmbloods and Morgans.
Marty - Kalimbah Smart Tempo
Most importantly - these horses deserve a life after racing. Many of these horses have trained and raced well all their lives but have naturally progressed to the end of their careers. Some of them have been bred with much thought and at much expense but are just not fast enough. It is our hope that the Standardbred will become become a valued, sort after breed in the horse world so that all of those who are ready for their life after racing will have a loving home waiting for them.
Aussie and Kristie
Last, but not least, don't you deserve to own a horse that makes you feel this good!
