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Standardbred

Equus ferus caballus

Standardbred harness-racing horse standing
Photo: Izzypie Isabella Marks, AU — CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The harness racer — a calm, level-headed trotter and pacer bred to race in front of a sulky.

TypeLight / ridingBest asRacingOriginAmericas

How to spot it

A sturdy, slightly longer-bodied horse than the Thoroughbred, about 14 to 17 hands (142 to 173 cm), usually bay, brown or black with strong legs built for a driving gait.

Temperament

Famously calm, sensible and good-natured — the quiet mind that makes retired racers excellent riding and therapy horses and easy for amateurs to retrain.

What it's bred for

Harness racing at the trot or pace, pulling a two-wheeled sulky. The breed traces to the foundation sire Hambletonian 10 and is measured by its ability to meet a time 'standard'.

Care & upkeep

Hardy and easy to keep, with few special needs beyond the sound feet any working horse requires.

Health & lifespan

Around 30 years. A robust breed; the usual watch-points are the leg and joint wear that come with a racing career.

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