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The Standardbred Road Horse The Standardbred is an American breed known for its trotting and pacing ability. The trot is a lateral gait in which the foreleg on one side of the horse moves in tandem with the hind leg on the other side of the horse; in the pace, the fore and hind leg on each side of the horse move together. In the show ring, the pacing gait is not used.
The origins of the Standardbred trace back to Messenger, an English Thoroughbred foaled in 1780 who was the son of a Norfolk Trotter, and later exported to the United States. Messenger was the great-grandsire of Hambletonian 10, foaled in 1849, to whom every Standardbred can trace its heritage and is considered the father of the modern Standardbred. Thus, Standardbreds are a relatively new breed, dating back just over 200 years. The breed also contains other light horse strains.
The name "Standardbred" originated because the early trotters (pacers would not come into favour until much later) were required to reach a certain standard for the mile distance in order to be registered as part of the new breed. The mile is still the standard distance covered in nearly every harness race.
The Standardbred is typically heavier than a Thoroughbred, with a longer body, shorter legs, a slightly larger head and greater endurance. On average, they stand about 15.2 hands tall ( hand being equal to four inches), weigh approximately 800 to 1,000 pounds, and are usually bay, black or brown. They are known for their docile personalities and willing temperaments.
The regulating body for the Standardbred breed in the United States is the U.S. Trotting Association in Columbus, Ohio, but road horses are represented by the American Road Horse and Pony Association, headed by Raymond Shively, Rockport, Indiana. The Secretary-Treasurer is Pat Cropper (177 East 2nd Street; Maysville, KY 41056 -- Tel.: 606-564-3766/Fax: 606-564-3325 or horsepony2004@yahoo.com).
The Roadster is the speed horse of the show ring, and these driving and riding classes are extremely exciting to watch because of the quick pace set by competitors.
Road horses are a case of art imitating life: Today's competitors wear the colours of the 1940's harness racing drivers and the horses are shown at three different and distinct speeds of the trot -- the jog trot, road gait, and at speed or "drive-on." At all speeds, the roadster should work in form with straight and true action. Animation and show ring presence should characterize the road horse, especially at the jog and road gait. "Breaks" from the trot (cantering) are penalized.
Road horses must be a registered Standardbred, of attractive appearance, balanced in conformation, and with manners which make them a safe risk in the show ring. Often they are harness racing horses who have competed on the track. The Standardbred is one of the most versatile equine breeds and road horses are shown to a bike or road cart (two-wheeled vehicle similar to a harness racing bike), the wagon or buggy (four-wheeled vehicle), and under saddle. A "buggy horse" is usually larger than a "bike horse" while a "bike horse" tends to exhibit with more speed. Divisions for showing can include junior, ladies, amateur, and open for the drivers as well as open and "green" or novice for the horses. Classes are also divided by size with an "under" class (for horses under 15.2 hands) and an "over" class (for horses 15.2 hands and over). A "hand" is the standard measurement for equine breeds and is considered to be equal to four inches. In addition, some fairs offer a "turnout" class in which the gentleman driver is accompanied by a lady as well as appointments.
Roadsters, being either driven or ridden, enter the ring in a clockwise direction at a jog, and are then asked to road gait, then reverse to a counterclockwise direction and jog, road gait, and trot at speed.
There are also classes offered specifically for the popular Roadster Ponies under 12.2 hands (50 inches).
Whether Roadsters are driven or ridden under saddle, much enthusiasm is always expressed by the crowd when these brilliant animals enter the show ring.
The ARHPA has advised us that beginning in December, 2003, the Roadster Horse Division at American shows will be for registered Standardbred horses only. All horses shown prior to December, 2003, at any recognized USAE show in the Roadster Division, in any class, will be grandfathered into the Division. All new entries in the Roadster Horse Division must be registered Standardbred horses.
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