Why a Standardbred?
The term Standardbred was used in 1871 to refer to a horse that could run fast enough to register in the Wallace's American Trotting Register. Today it refers to an entire breed of horses.
The standardbred breed is one of the unheralded jewels of the equine world. As the one true American breed, it is becoming the horse of choice for many pleasure riders.
Standardbreds are known for their prowess in the harness racing arena, but thanks to several dedicated adoption programs, owners of retired racers now have the option of seeing their beloved horses go to new homes where they will be transitioned into pleasure or show horses in various venues. These programs have been so successful that the horse world has done a collective double-take at the Standardbred, which has shown itself to be competitive in the hunter/jumper, trail riding, hunter pace, combined driving, dressage, western pleasure, barrel racing, and pleasure show arenas.
| "In addition to being a successful performance horse, a Standardbred is capable of being a best friend. These horses are loving and faithful and will find a way into your heart faster than you can imagine! If I could, I'd have a barn full of them! I am fortunate, however, to own one, and he is rapidly turning in to the horse of my dreams. He is intelligent, inquisitive, a quick learner, and a fun companion." Holly Wielsma, owner of HEMI |  |
Standardbreds can range in size from 14 to 17 hands and weigh approximately 1000 pounds.
They come in many colors: bay, black, brown, chestnut, gray and roan, bay being the most common. White markings are common, ranging from subtle to flashy marks on the face and/or legs.
 | "Her work ethic and desire to [do] things correctly amazed me. In just her first year of showing, she competed in dressage, three-phase eventing, hunter shows, in-hand, and roadster under saddle and even marshaled at racetracks! And, she did it all extremely well - with ribbons to show for her efforts." Elizabeth Tewksbury, owner of DREAMY STARLET |
Their athletic build and willing attitude allows many Standardbreds to make the transition from racetrack warrior to show horse or family companion. Their build can be attributed to the well-muscled physique of the Morgan combined with the leanness of the Thoroughbred.
The standardbred horse is built with genes for pacing. They did, in fact, contribute to the foundation for other gaited horse breeds like the Saddlebred and Tennessee Walking Horse. They can compete in speed racking competitions or be a smoothly-gaited trail horse.
| "Heart! These horses have so much to give, so much to offer in terms of athletic ability. They can jump, they can blaze a trail, they can perform fine lateral movements in the dressage arena; but, above all, they have the will to try when unsure, and keep on trying until they know they have pleased us. This is their gift to us when we have earned the right to call a Standardbred our friend, the heart of a true champion!" Jody Desroches, owner of X-FILES HANOVER |  Photo Credit: Geri DeSouza, Solemar Photography |
We'd love the chance to introduce you to some of our special mares here at Witter Farm. These mares work to please and love human companionship.