Originally bred for harness racing, the Standardbred has only recently begun to be recognised in other equestrian activities.

Even though the Standardbred has been classed as a breed since 1897, and entered into the American Trotting Register since 1882, because of the original requirement to trot or pace a standard mile in 2 minutes 30 seconds, most people have not accepted the Standardbred as a breed, assuming it to be a mongrel horse.

Slowly, but surely, the Standardbred is making waves in the equestrian world. Below is a list of some world renown Standardbreds and their achievements for excellence in sport.

Jenny Camp (owner)	Silver medal winner in the 1932 and 1936 Olympic Games. Jenny's horse was a Standardbred.
Halla Ridden by Hans Winkler	Achieved success in many world class competitions.
Kayla	1992 Canadian High-Point Endurance Champion.
Ultimate Rancher	Showjumper successfully competing in Australia.
Double Take Ridden by Mark Todd	Partbred Champion showjumper.

The ultimate dressage horse is still in the making. Some Warmblood breeders are now breeding with Standardbred mares in order to achieve the best. These breeders realise that the Standardbred has a lovely, natural, elevated and forward movement - perfect for dressage. The Standardbred's strong bone structure also adds to the strength of the horse.

With the help of the SPPHAV, the Standardbred will become truly recognised as a pleasure and performance horse, as well as an exhilarating harness racer.

copyright SPPHAV January 1994