
American Standardbred Adoption Program
For a period in the 1800s, it was illegal to bet on racing, and racing was defined as speeds above a canter, so the trotting and pacing breeds were developed. Standardbreds have been an integral part of the American society ever since. The name “Standardbred” comes from the established standard of being able to trot or pace a mile in 2 minutes, 30 seconds, which a horse had to meet to be part of the breed. Today, Standardbreds are racing at speeds below 1:48 for a mile.
Standardbreds are very dependable, people oriented horses who excel at most equine disciplines including trail riding, jumping, barrels, dressage, gaming, and carriage driving. They are a favorite of mounted police units because of their calm disposition and sturdy hooves and legs. They have been used in the military, and it was a Standardbred, Sgt. York, who carried President John F. Kennedy’s boots to Arlington Cemetery. Several other Standardbreds have been used for that honor at Arlington since then.
Retraining a Standardbred to ride after a racing career is usually not a difficult task. The horses are very used to being handled and want to please their owners, so they often are able to be ridden in a short amount of time. Because of their extensive handling on the track, they tend to be very cooperative with vets and farriers, and trailer very well.
The American Standardbred Adoption Program, located in DeSoto WI, has been serving the Midwest harness racing industry since 1994. Run by an all-volunteer staff, the program has placed more than 1,000 horses throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa, and many other states. The adoption details for horses will vary depending on the health and training of the horse. Most horses who enter the program are given 30 days of saddle training. The adoption process is fairly easy. Visit the ASAP website at http://www.americanstandardbre... or find us on Facebook. Submit an application for adoption, along with references, and if you are approved, you can visit the ASAP farm to pick out a horse, or work with Sue to find a horse who is in foster care closer to where you live.