Standardbred

The Standardbred developed around performance records and pedigrees for harness racing. It is a separate breed from the Thoroughbred.

The breed name derives from historical racing performance standards and pedigree selection. Despite the similar name, its history concerns harness racing and gaits, a different context from that of the Thoroughbred. When reviewing racing records, distinguish a horse carrying a rider from one pulling a small racing vehicle.

Several solid coat colors occur, and the body has been selected for racing and pulling a vehicle. Appearance alone makes it difficult to distinguish trotters from pacers.

A muscular body and strong legs occur, but appearance alone cannot readily establish whether a horse is a trotter or a pacer. Harness and a small racing vehicle offer clues to the type of competition. Multiple colors, including brown and black, occur; no single color represents the breed's only appearance.

Standardbreds are used in trotting and pacing races. Trotting pairs diagonal legs, while pacing pairs the legs on the same side.

A trot moves diagonal pairs of legs, whereas a pace moves same-side pairs. This distinguishes movement patterns; it does not rank horses as better or worse. Some individuals transition to other riding activities after retiring, learning new instructions and surroundings.

When retraining retired racehorses for riding, distinguish racing training records from new tasks. Gait types should not be used to rank a horse's value or temperament.

Distinguish racing aids and equipment from everyday movement. When a retired horse changes to riding, do not assume previous training included every riding cue. Assess hooves, gait, body condition and responses to new training individually.