I don't think so. How about... gorgeous, athletic, versatile and wowing. Yes, I am talking about the Standardbred. Probably one of the most underestimated achivments in Canada's history since our success at Vimy Ridge.
Generally known for unattractive myths like those above, it is no wonder Standardbreds (STB's) are popping up in sandwich shops all over France and Switzerland. And they are not pulling the bread wagon. Unfortunately, after their glory days of trotting or pacing past the finish line and into the winner's circle, camera's snapping, proud owners at their heads, trophy's presented and rose wreaths thrust upon them, these STB's usually end up miles away from the comfort and security of their hay days. They usually end up in slaughterhouses where they're kept in small pens with little or no food and water. Terrified, confused and anxious before they face the butchers knife. It's a sad and horrific ending for horses with too much potential.
So whatever you've been told about Standardbreds, forget it! We'll now correct/dispell the following lies/myths about STBs:
Myth #1: Standardbreds Can't Canter
Nay. They can, it's just they may forget how. During their career, a STB cannot go faster then a trot or pace. So when they come offtrack they may be unfamiliar with the canter. Just be patient and give them time, it'll come back. Try trotting them over small obstacles; they may break into a nice, neat canter afterwards. Rewarding such efforts will ensure years of smooth canters to come.
Myth #2: Standardbreds Can't Jump
The author up late writing this has a standardbred that can jump the jod's off your havanvarian. Also, standardbreds have hindquarters higher or level with their withers, which not only makes them good racehorses, but also excellent jumpers. Take Bionic Woman or Primrose Express: both full blooded standardbreds known to have jumped 6'9.
Myth #3: Standardbred's are Difficult to Handle Off-Track
You find me someone who has a hot to handle off-track STB and I'll show you a unicorn. Known for gentle and easy going natures, STBs are usually very calm and less flighty then their ancestors, the thoroughbred. Anyone who has an off-trackie will tell you how surprised, if not how shocked, they were to have an uneventful first tack up.
Myth #4: Standardbred's are Tiny
The average height of a STB is 14.3hh-16hh. Mine's 16.2hh and used to hang out with another STB of 17hh. And that's not considered uncommon. They've also been known to get as big as 18.2 hh.
Myth #5: Standardbreds are Ugly (That Whole "Jug Head" Thing)
Yours truley has a STB that gets mistaken for an Arab x TB all the time. In general, STB has also been incorrectly guessed as warmbloods, QH's, thoroughbreds, morgans, ect.
Through this half-hindquarter attempt at serious journalistic intentions, we at HERO hope to have changed your mind about the underestimated standardbred. However, the only way to really understand what we mean is to get on one yourself. Please email us at theherocanada@gmail.com to share your stories or experiences with standardbreds or even to just tell us that we have in fact changed your mind/opinon.
P.S. For you dressage nuts; heard of JoPa's Tycoon? He used to be a pacer. He now goes by the name Sight Unseen and can be found preforming at the Grand Prix St.George level. And yes he's a STB.
