The Standardbred, known as a kind and willing horse, is also ultimately defined as athletic.

The Standardbred is similar to the Thoroughbred but has stronger, shorter legs. They also have a narrower chest, long sloping shoulders, long underline and a strong back.

Bred for speed, the Standardbred developed higher haunches. When fully grown, Hambletonian was measured at 15.1 3/4 hh at the wither and 15.3 3/4 hh at the croup.

The average height for the Standardbred is between 14.2hh and 16hh; their weight is usually between 900 to 1,200 lbs.

Although the Standardbred can be any colour, they are predominantly solid in colour.

copyright SPPHAV January 1994