Ok - so can I give Standardbreds a huge kudos? Added new pics! Page 2

[LouLove]

I own a five year old standardbred gelding
He came off the track last April.
I adopted him from osas.ca - an OTTSTB agency- 2 weeks ago.

This is what we have done so far (and remember that he is 5 and not formally trained under saddle or to lunge)

1. In hand - walks by running ATVs, dogs, huge weird trucks, tractors and other horses without issue. The head comes up once in a while. He snorted at an odd puddle/mud/tree stump combo a few days ago. That's it.

2. Loves the groom session. In cross ties, standing tie, stall or loose. He falls asleep.

3. Introduced him to a lunging today. He was confused for about 5 minutes. Then he was doing walk/trot/whoa within 15 min.

4. I have tended to some bite wounds, trimmed mane/tail and odd hairs, and cleaned out nose with a soft cloth, all while he was in pasture grazing.

5. He has the aura. That horse that draws everyone in while being in the aisle. Everyone has this urge to hug, scratch or pat him. He loves every minute.

Ok - so...what's the catch? I dunno. He is super impressive so far. I will keep all updated as I start him under saddle.

If anyone ever has the chance...give them a shot. They are so worth it.

LL

[jengersnap]

You know this makes my heart all warm and gooey. Great to hear you're enjoying Wilde so much! Then again, he couldn't have been luckier in terms of who fell in love with him and took him home. ;) My current one is a little more lively (herd boss, that's all) but then again I broke her to saddle at 17 :eek: after almost a decade of being nothing but a broodie, so yeah she's pretty amazing too. I'm on my second, and through the OSAS and privately I've helped many more directly or indirectly move on to their next career. It's so rewarding!

[LouLove]

I'm on my second, and through the OSAS and privately I've helped many more directly or indirectly move on to their next career. It's so rewarding!
Thank you for what you do. I feel myself becoming a breed advocate already. I am an OTTB fan because of my Lou...but I have a feeling that I will be a diehard Standardbred fan til the end. He has truly stolen my heart. And this is not a slight against OTTBs at all. I absolutely adore the TB. So the fact that this big gentle lug has even stolen my attention away from my TB obsession is a miracle in itself!

Hope to meet you soon jengersnap! I have so much respect for you, helping these horses with their next step.

LL

[lolalola]

I have a TB and an STB. The TB is the more sensible one and the STB is a little goofy. So you never know.

[HenryisBlaisin']

I love, love, LOVE Standardbreds. I once had a gelding who was standing in crossties when a loose pig ran UNDER him. He just stood there and looked at the pig with a "How terribly rude" expression on his face. He cantered the first time I ever asked him. I lost him to a freak back injury when he was only 12, but boy could he move-incredible suspension at the trot. My STB mare was more difficult to canter, but she did learn. She would come at a gallop when I got to the barn every day and follow me around like a dog-loose-while I did chores. She was my first horse and the one that had to absorb my teenage angst. I still miss her.

It is very hard to find a STB close to where I live as there are no tracks. But I have the feeling my next horse will be one...

[Foxtrot's]

Oh those darned pigs. I had a Standardbred in the mid-seventies. We had an event on a farm where the dressage was next to the pig pen. My little mare was one of the few who didn't turn a hair and she scored her highest dressage placing e v e r. She hunted, she evented, she never had a single competitive jump penalty, she was on the top-ten honour roll the two years she evented with me in BC. She was no problem training to canter, but she was bred as a trotter. Loved that little girl.

[Silver Snaffles]

Generally those horses are worth their weight in gold.

They are so quick to pick new things up, very trainable, have good paces, and most of all patient and forgiving, quiet and easy to handle and ride.

I don't know how many times I have seen complete novices on standardbreds, no balance, bouncing on the back, but they just keep plugging along.

They are such an under rated bred. There are some out there, a particular line, which look like morgans, or even sport horses.

My mum has always been a softy, she would rescue 5 or 6 every 6 months, put 30 days under saddle work on them, and move them on to Pony club kids, beginner riders, re-riders and general riding. Some even went on to be show horses.

They are so trainable! My heart horse, Midas learnt how to canter balanced and collected in 3 rides. He learnt how to do a turn on the forehand, shoulder in and leg yeilding in one hour ride. He was a natural athlete, he won his first dressage test (out of 30) and was schooling 2nd level movements.


His trot was to die for.

My mum was the instructor for the local pony club, clueless parents would get the horses straight off the track, then the next rally the kid would be riding them happily around ponyclub.

I have never seen such a willing bred of horse.

More people should consider them!:D

[LisaB]

My little Butters is to die for.
I picked him up from new vocations last year as a 2 yo. Spent $400 in gas for a $200 horse.
The third time on him, I was walking (very slowly) on my driveway. A contractor decided to come early for a consult and drove right up our ass with his big diesel. Butters didn't do a thing. Contractor was NOT hired!
He likes grazing in our yard and doesn't go anywhere. He is also a peeping Tom. He steps over our bushes and peeks into our windows.
My farrier and vet are very happy that I have him. Makes up for dealing with Winston. Farrier's friend went to trim him while tied to the trailer and he came back and was in love with him. He said he is the most willing to please horse he's ever seen.
I'm completely sold on them. For 3 years old, he acts like a 10 yo.

[skykingismybaby1]

I have owned STB racehorses and have worked with them after their careers were over. Best story is working with a off track STB at a therapy program. I was getting a young boy on the horse when the kid mis stepped and ended up under the STB. YIKES!! this horse had been at the program three days!

The gelding looked between his legs at the kid.....looked at me........and heaved a big sigh. Gotta love the breed.

[middy]

Welcome to the Standardbred fan club!! I have rehomed a few over the years. I live about 15 min from Colonial Downs in VA. They race TB's for 8 weeks then STB's for 8 weeks. I have always been oen of the BIGGEST TB fans. Then about 10 years ago, a guy that I was dating that I met in the test barn during the TB season said come help me with my STB's I said I wasn't interested. He said come on there is no help back there and you can make $50 cash for 3 hours work & most of it is standign around (sounded pretty good to a broke college student)!! From day one I fell in love! These are the most sensible and kind animals I have ever worked with. I nolonger work the backside during the TB meet but am there every year for the STB's. I have one now that is still racing. He was alittle sore after the meet here last fall and they weren't racing up in MD till this summer so I said I would take him home and give him some time off and ride. In his time off I have found out that he has PSSM but with his new diet he is good as new. I hunted him first flight this year once with Bull Run and this woman kept commenting on my wonderful TB. I kept trying to tell her that that wasn't what he was but she wouldn't listen until a big draft cross almost ran us over and he switched over to the pace. She went OMG is he alright I think he is lame!! I said nope he is pacing because he is a STB!

Here are pictures of him giving pony rides. I felt so sorry for him but he never really cared.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/568589892JwblGt?vhost=good-times

He is going back to the track next weekend and I have already lined up another to come home when I pick him up.

My neighborhood is very horsey but very opinionated too. Alot of my neighbors are slowly changing their minds about this breed jsut by seeing what I have done with the ones I have had.

[LouLove]

I hunted him first flight this year once with Bull Run and this woman kept commenting on my wonderful TB.

I so want to try this with him! Your Jet is gorgeous.

Best story is working with a off track STB at a therapy program.

I have noticed that they are used at many therapy facilities. So great!

My little Butters is to die for.
He likes grazing in our yard and doesn't go anywhere. He is also a peeping Tom. He steps over our bushes and peeks into our windows.

That's so cute. Wilde is quite nosey as well!


They are so quick to pick new things up, very trainable, have good paces, and most of all patient and forgiving, quiet and easy to handle and ride.

His trot was to die for.


I am learning these things quickly. And yes...his trot is magnificent. Can't wait to ride it!


I am glad to hear of all of your standardbred stories as well. So neat.

LL

[middy]

LouLove - Thank you I am very attached to him!!! I have never asked any of my STB's (Jet is my 5th) that they didn't give me 150%. They may not of been able to do it but they sure did try! I hope my new one will be just as good (he is better bred and only 4). I am dropping Jet off at the track(he still really wants to race & as long as he is sound and still tells us he wants to he will) and picking up Frat House on May 30th. I have two pictures of Frat House but they are taken in the isleway and they are too dark to tell what he really looks like. The trainer that I am getting him from says he looks just like a QH (really wide & square).

If anyone is in the midatlantic area and wants a STB I have connections at alot of tracks and always get offered atleast 5 at the end of the Harness Meet here at Colonial. YOu can contact me on here and I will try to find you something.

[sk_pacer]

Here's one more for you - you could probably get on that guy and ride right now. He already knows how to steer, and has a concept of whoa, and, depending on who had him, he may well have been ridden already, even if it was bareback with a halter and a couple of leadshanks. A lot of horses trained at off track centres or at home get ridden as part of the regular training regime (think back to last year and Deweycheatumnhowe). I 'broke' Mr Fussy to saddle in.....oh, lessee, maybe 20 minutes, and there was nothing to it.

Typically, Standardbreds don't buck, and if they do, they don't do a great job at it. I have seen ONE in 30+ years around them sucessfully dislodge a rider, but that whole episode was a recipe for disaster - a couple of cases of beer, a crock or two, a trainer on a piss-up, a 3yo dragged out of his stall in the middle of the night. Pissed trainer hops on the poor colt, and the startled beast unloaded the drunk into the shit bin........er manure storage area. Said colt did apparently end up a decent saddle horse later in life with no reverting to the errant behaviour. I have pretty much used Standardbreds for almost everything from trails to chasing cattle to some gaming and ALL when they were still racing. Getting a 'used' Standardbred in Western Canada is pretty tough as they are snapped up almost as fast as they hit the 'lot' - they are a favourite of the outfitters in the mountains (and other places) as they are patient, mostly quiet, accepting of packs and other equipment, can be used to snake out dead trees for firewood, are not bothered much by loud noises and need little retraining and they learn fast.

[Sandy M]

I have a TB and an STB. The TB is the more sensible one and the STB is a little goofy. So you never know.


LOL. My house-mate used to work for a guy who trained/rehabbed STBs. She loves 'em and maintains most have superlative temperaments.

My farrier, who is a Civil War reenactor, says that his group have all STBs for their "artillery horses." However, he has two riding horses - a TB and an STB, and in his case, the TB is the steadier of the two. On the other hand, he admits the STB is younger and probably will settle down eventually. Getting used to gunfire takes a while!

[MSP]

I have had my STB for over 30 years. They are dead broke to man made noises but I remember Ace looking side ways at rocks on the trail. :lol:

They make great trail horses and I had a blast driving him. The old man is nearing the end of his days, so sad.:cry: He will be 36 on the 27th of this month. Born at Hanover shoe Farm in PA, I have known him since he was 4.

Enjoy the journey with your new STB!

[chestnutmarebeware]

OK, we want to see pictures of the ponies, as well!

[LouLove]

They make great trail horses and I had a blast driving him. The old man is nearing the end of his days

I hope our journey is as long and fruitful as yours has been.

Thank you for sharing.

LL

[HenryisBlaisin']

OK, this thread is making me want another STB so bad I can't stand it.

I do not need another horse.
I do not need another horse.
I do not need another horse.
I do not...

[Foxtrot's]

..on top of her good qualities, my STB never needed a vet in all the time I had her (except for the usual tune-up stuff). Feet of steel, too.

[LouLove]

OK, this thread is making me want another STB so bad I can't stand it.

Sorry...don't mean to be an instigator....but you know...right now...there is one waiting just for you. :P

Sorry. I learned this the hard way. NEVER come to COTH to declare that you don't want another horse. ;)

LL

[LouLove]

Feet of steel, too.

He has damned good feet. No shoes in sight.

[twofatponies]

I'd love to see more pictures, too! I am very intrigued. Does anyone know more about the different lines - as previous poster mentioned some lines are more "sporthorse" or "Morgan" like?

[Silver Snaffles]

I have heaps of photos, if you can tell me how to put them on the thread and I will!


I forgot to mention a great story about Midas the wonder Standardbred.

After I had him going really well in dressage, I took him to a few shows. He did really well. I invited his old racing trainer, and his owner to come and watch, and see him in action, to encourage them both to find homes for retired pacers, rather than as pet food.

The trainer and ex owener was amazed, at how fancy and just how competative Midas was. They had never seen dressage before.

I suggested they hop on an have a ride. I threw the owner on (who had never been on a horse before) and he grabed both reins of the double bridle, and midas happy packed him around the showground.

The trainer had riden a few times, and managed to get a really nice trot and canter.

The owner, Paul was a really lovely man, who was in it for the horses, and had even kept Midas's dam, on retirement. I got to go out and meet her which was really neat. I found out Midas's sires fee was over $100k!

They both joined an organisation which has a list of horses at trainers who have STB's for re-homing, and keep them after racing until they can be rehomed. I am really proud that Midas has in some way, influenced one trainer and owner into rehoming rather than putting them down.

[LouLove]

I'd love to see more pictures, too! I am very intrigued. Does anyone know more about the different lines - as previous poster mentioned some lines are more "sporthorse" or "Morgan" like?

Perhaps SuperSTB will pipe in. They know a lot about the lineage. She PM'd me about my boy's lines.

I will have more pics soon. He is settling in so nicely to his new home. I just tried his tack on him tonight for the first time. He was way too mellow. I keep thinking the crazy-guy has to come out sooner or later! But somehow I doubt it.

LL

[LouLove]

They both joined an organisation which has a list of horses at trainers who have STB's for re-homing, and keep them after racing until they can be rehomed. I am really proud that Midas has in some way, influenced one trainer and owner into rehoming rather than putting them down.

What a wonderful story. My goal is to save at least one more through word-of-mouth. I think I have already done that. I have it proudly declared on his stall sign that he is a Standardbred.
I hope to have his previous racetrack owner/trainer come out to see him once he is going well under saddle.

LL

[lolalola]

My horse was sired by Laag, and he's grey. Are their temperaments a little less steady than other STBs? My guy is really handsome - I call him the Standalusian. But he can be flighty, and has been known to do a 180 when something scares him and leave me in the dust. He will take advantage of a rider if given the opportunity. He's not bad, but just not like the other wonderful STBs described in this thread.

[sk_pacer]

lolalola - Laags can be somewhat differently abled. Mr Fussy's paternal grandsire is Laag, and he is the slightly dingy one - he runs around tail in the air, eyes bugging out and blowing rollers at anything 'wrong' on the yard. Wrong can be something as simple as a vehicle not where he thinks it should be. He is the self-proclaimed watch horse as well, and will neigh loudly if someone comes in the yard. He was a real wingnut on the track, bordering on dangerous, but I can hook him up at home and go tootling around the countryside with no problems, unless he sees a dog...he hates dogs, and for some reason, the siamese cross wild tom cat that lives here. LIke I said, differently abled.

twofatponies - some sires certainly stamp their offspring so you can tell what they are, but I dunno about morgan or sportshorse......not even sure what the latter is...sounds like a catchall term that can mean something different in different areas. The shorter, stockier horses come generally from mares decending from Gene Abbe, the longer, leaner ones from Peter the Great lines on the maternal side. Looks and stature mostly come through the maternal side; it is rare that a horse is prepotent enough to stamp his offspring with his looks and build - I can think of three that were consistand: Billy Direct, Adios Pick and Rodney. Laag is arguable - he passed colour mostly, rarely much else looks wise. Some horses did pass on head shape - Albatross, Tar Heel, and unfortunately, B Crafty who passed oh the delightful roman nose sported by his maternal granddam - Hobby Horse Tar. I realise that isn't quite the answer you were looking for, but it isn't all that simple - it was 40 years ago, but not now.

[jengersnap]

Check out this one, definately not the stereotypical STB in looks!
http://stars.ustrotting.com/report.cfm?pg=basic&sid=14

The OSAS has a gorgeous red roan in the program at the moment too. If I was horse hunting....oooh I'd so be inquiring about him!

I have Rhythm Almahurst (Sonsam-Ria Hanover-Meadow Skipper), whom I call "Marie". She's 21 now and still going strong. She's had several foals and generally passes on her good looks. Unfortunately she also passes on her alpha temperment :rolleyes: but they all love people and have excellent work ethics.

How many horses can you do this to, without them running to the next county? And this was in my front yard next to the highway.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/jengersnaps/BeachBabe1-1.jpg

Full body:
http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/jengersnaps/September%202007%20Horses/8.jpg

Lost out on the trail as usual:

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/jengersnaps/January%202009/hereslookingatyou-1-1.jpg

My first STB love, Bess (Miss Exemp) at 32, weeks before she passed away to old age. I was still riding her.

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/jengersnaps/September%202007%20Horses/3.jpg

My sweet old Bess :sadsmile:

http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p262/jengersnaps/Bess/BessStand.jpg

[middy]

SK_Pacer - as you know, my Jet is also a grandson of LAAG. Mine is rock steady and is one of the best pony-ride horses I have ever had. While he can be hard to deal with whil hooked to the cart (not spooky, just wants to go and will pull your arms out jogging if he isn't rigged correctly) he isn't like that under saddle at all. In the Webshots album I have on him (see previous post), the girl who was riding him western had only ridden 3 times in her life and she took him trailriding with us all day and had a blast!!! & I can still jump on him and go hunting frist flight and have one of the best hunts of my life.

As I said earlier I am taking him back to the track next week & picking up a Windsong's Legacy 4 year old. I am still surprised that they are giving this well bred guy away!! I will have pictures as soon as he gets home!! I hope he is just a quarter of the horse his father was!!

[MSP]

The interesting thing about owning such an old horse is his bloodlines! He's not too far down the tree!

My old guy is Tar heel, Billy Direct top and bottom and has a foundation mare (MINNEHAHA) in his lines. http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/ac+special

[spookhorse]

I fell in love with Standardbreds years ago after working a summer/fall as a yearling groom for Castleton Farm back when it was still Standies. Worked the Trotting Filly barn that year, then went back two years later for a summer/fall in the Agent Horse barn. One thing that always impressed me was how fast they settled into their lives once they were brought in for sales prep. They are hardly handled until they are brought into the barns and handed off to the grooms to teach them all their groundwork. Won't say some of them weren't silly on occasion, one notable in the Agent Horse barn was a pacer filly named Mannarts Dream (out of Mannart Amaze) who was a bit tough. But I got through to her and she went on to be a winner at 1:58f.

Water Star, my favorite trotting filly I had care of (out of Kimberly Lobell) went on to be one of Super Gill's top performers with a time of 1:54. I always knew that filly would be something, she's now a broodie with Hanover Shoe. Cashman never though much of her, he was all about another filly I had named Great Legs (1/2 sister to Balanced Image) who ended up never racing, but has 5 winners from 5 foals.

Anyways, when I had the opportunity to finally get my own Standardbred a few years back, I took it.

While I never got to ride Samantha (http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n174/spookhorse01/Samantha/) (Broadway Illusion) much due to her EPM issues, she was always such a presence at the barn. She followed me around and never let me forget she was there and needed her share of attention even though she was retired. She was a stunning blue roan by Broadway Express and had spent years with her former owner trail riding Michigan. She spent her last few years with me and I miss her everyday now that she's gone, it's coming up on a year :( Our barn has a huge hole in it...

[MSP]

spookhorse, wow! A roan, she was pretty. I bet everyone that met her was surprised to find out she was a STB.

LL, I am sure you will have a great journey with your horse, hope it is a long one.

Twofatponies, if you look at this foundation mare http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/minnehaha6 you will see a mix of TB and Morgan. In the early days any horse could be registered a STB if they could make the "standard". I haven't heard of anyone breeding STB's for sporthorses but I vaguely recall reading about some that were bred for non-race driving. Mostly it's all about racing!

[LouLove]

How handsome is my STB? And look at that topline....without work yet!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2774123&l=23b3a91563&id=579954368

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2774124&l=90b2251454&id=579954368


I LOFF him.

LL

[lolalola]

My boy looks a lot like Gunthatwonthewest, although it doesn't appear that horse is related to Laag.

[NowThatsATrot]

LL: Congrats on your new boy, he looks lovely. :) I love STBs, I've been working with them for about 10 years now and I'll always have one.

I adopted my trotter from the Standardbred Retirement Foundation 5 years ago, and he attracts a fan club everywhere he goes. He raced a good long time, 9 years, (222 races in all), so retraining to canter has been tricky, but he had the idea of it within his first 30 days under saddle. He had some physical issues that made it harder for him in the beginning, but we've more or less gotten them ironed out and he's sound enough to take me around lower-level horse trials. He's schooling First Level dressage (with some baby Second movements thrown in) and has jumped over 3' on hunter paces. I do take some extra steps to maintain him but you'd never know he raced as long as he did.

When I first got him I was looking for a mounted drill horse (flags, patterns, exhibition riding, etc) but the drill team disbanded so he kind of turned into my everything horse. He chases cows, catches loose horses, and indulges my whims, like the time I took a polo lesson in the middle of a trail ride. I'd drive him if I could afford the cart! He's such a good soul, and he babysits horses as well as humans.

I still keep in touch with the old owner, too. The guy did the ammy races with him, and considered him as much of a pet as a racehorse. We trade photos and he makes a point to come down to the National STB Show in NJ every year to watch us ride.

Some pics --

Racing in 2002:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/nowthatsatrot/willie/winfree_522.jpg

Team sorting in 2006:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v871/246/101/1196467357/n1196467357_228380_3622.jpg

XC schooling last May:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/nowthatsatrot/willie/barrels3.jpg

Did I mention he's tolerant?:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/nowthatsatrot/willie/ncss06costume.jpg


For those interested in bloodlines, he's by a Super Bowl stallion (Niles Hanover) and out of a Speedy Scot mare (Lotta Honey). Bred, trained, and raced as a trotter but he's been known to kick into the rack and pace every now and then -- although since we got his physical issues squared away he doesn't do it much anymore.


Good luck LL!

[LouLove]

That XC shot is awesome!!!!

LL

[middy]

Well I just dropped my one that is still racing off yesterday and then went up to Jersey to pick up my new guy. He is absolutely adorable!!! About 15.3 and built alittle wider than I like them but he has the cutest head (smaller than all my other horses heads, think I will have to buy him a cob bridle) and the most trusting personality. He is truly a baby at 4 (since he never raced but was broke to race) so he doesn't have that been there done that personality that the ones that have been at the track have. He has only been gelded in hte past month and tried to be studdish with my WB mare ( we like to call her the BIACH FROM HELL) He is learning that not all girls play nice but this morning noone even had a scratch on them so I guess all is well. I am taking a half a day's vacation so I can get home early. I got on bareback and walked around the neighborhood last evening and he was fine. I will post pictures as soon as I have them.

[scrtwh]

Super smart breed, great looking, excellent with people and other animals, athletic ... what more can you say!!!

[LisaB]

Thatsatrot, your horse is very cool! Now, it looks like he has a short neck. Mine has an incredibly short neck. He has to do the splits to eat. Was it hard to jump him? I know my little one has it in him. He's a little deer hopper but man, there's nothing in front me. He's 3 so I'm hoping he'll fill out so it's not like riding a barrel.

[NowThatsATrot]

Thatsatrot, your horse is very cool! Now, it looks like he has a short neck. Mine has an incredibly short neck. He has to do the splits to eat. Was it hard to jump him? I know my little one has it in him. He's a little deer hopper but man, there's nothing in front me. He's 3 so I'm hoping he'll fill out so it's not like riding a barrel.

Thank you. He does have a fairly short neck, also has to do "splits" (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/nowthatsatrot/willie/100_1041.jpg) to graze. But he took pretty naturally to jumping, I started him by following a friend's mare (also a STB) over logs on the trail, and he looked a bit but popped over happily. I just tried to stay out of his way.

The hardest thing was just teaching him that he doesn't have to crack his back over every 2' crossrail. He can be a little (http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v871/246/101/1196467357/n1196467357_228382_4065.jpg) overenthusiastic (http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/nowthatsatrot/willie/mkp_6872_std.jpg). Tell you what, though, he taught me very early on not to get too far ahead of the motion! ;)

[LisaB]

Yeah, that's my boy! The splits twins!
I guess when Butters gets to that stage, I will defintely have to remember to push my butt back like you do.

[twofatponies]

These guys are definitely on my list for "next horse." Wow.

[LisaB]

Here's little Butters last year.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2525587730102880166jmtIfS
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2264545330102880166rVXUyy

[LouLove]

Here's little Butters last year.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2525587730102880166jmtIfS
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2264545330102880166rVXUyy

What a solid looking horse! I find that a lot of them have real substance. My boy has outstanding bone and overall solidness without being fat/clunky looking. Just really well put together.

LL

[Silver Snaffles]

Here is some photos of Midas the wonder horse

At his very first show, 2 months off the track, he doesn't have a roman nose!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=2257188&id=593292906

He LOVES water. He is a dam monster. He loves getting in and going for a swim.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/photo.php?pid=2257189&id=593292906


In the show ring. He is so soft in the mouth, like silk

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=98540&id=593292906&saved#/photo.php?pid=2748842&id=593292906

[middy]

Okay this is my new guy Frat House. These pictures were taken tonight I haven't actually ridden him yet (though i did sit on him and walk around bareback yesterday ) He is a good boy and very sweet.
http://pets.webshots.com/album/572771193EexRgq?vhost=pets

[mrs.smith]

Lovely pictures! As soon as my guy sells, I'm going STB shopping. :D

[kcmel]

OK, I want one too!

[crickett14502]

Okay, so I have to confess. I've always been an ottb kinda gal. We've had a few we've retrained, rehabbed and whatever else, but my dear friend NowThatsATrot sorta roped me in.. hook, line and sinker last fall. I've been following her work with Willie. Since then, I adopted a 21 yo gelding from the SRF of which she speaks, and was given a 4 year old with two bowed front tendons at the same time (different previous owner). Since then, we've rehabbed the 4 yo (he's now sound!) and done a bit of work with the 21 year old.

The 4 year old's darling, here's a shot of him.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z201/kirstinkey/horses%20at%20home/STB003.jpg

Putting him under saddle later this summer, and seeing how things go. When he gets his head down and engages, he's got probably the most beautiful impulsion and suspension - he floats!!!!

[LouLove]

The 4 year old's darling, here's a shot of him.

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z201/kirstinkey/horses%20at%20home/STB003.jpg

Midas and Crickett. I love the bits of white on both of your boys. They are lovely!!!!

We had our first dressage lesson last night. We are doing just in-hand right now. He is just such a solid citizen. Took it all in stride. He was so tired after, just doing walk and whoa on long line for 20 min. He tried his heart out but never got frazzled once. I just love this part of their nature.

[LouLove]

Just wondering. Is there a Standardbred Clique on COTH? If yes, I will become a member. If not...perhaps we should start one?

LL

[NowThatsATrot]

You know, I never really got how the whole clique thing worked, but I'm game! :lol:

[jengersnap]

You know, I never really got how the whole clique thing worked, but I'm game! :lol:

Somebody just starts a tagline, like...

Standardbreds Under Saddle Clique
STB Lovers Clique
My STB Can Pace Me Out of My Tack Clique
STBs Can't Canter Mythbusting Clique

And then others pick it up :)

I recall there being a Standardbred Lovers clique but haven't seen it in a tag line that I recall lately.

[LouLove]

I started new thread re: the clique.

I have officially called it "Standardbreds with Saddles" clique!

LL

[middy]

I'm In!!!!!!

[NowThatsATrot]

Somebody just starts a tagline... <snip>

And then others pick it up :)



:lol: How anti-climactic!

I'm in. :)

[mrs.smith]

:lol: How anti-climactic!

I'm in. :)

I'm in. I'm a STB hag at heart. :)

[sk_pacer]

I started new thread re: the clique.

I have officially called it "Standardbreds with Saddles" clique!

LL

Hey!! What about those of us (probably only me) that have Standardbreds that are retired lay-abouts???:D

[MSP]

Hey!! What about those of us (probably only me) that have Standardbreds that are retired lay-abouts???:D

Me too!

Standardbreds Rock! ;)

[LouLove]

Hey!! What about those of us (probably only me) that have Standardbreds that are retired lay-abouts???:D


Hmmm....sorry about that! I guess we were focusing more on their versatility aspect!

You may have to start a new one?

Standardbreds as Pasture Puffs clique???? :P

[whicker]

Standardbred Lovers,

I need your help! I am helping my very kind neighbors find a standardbred for riding on trails. They are timid riders, who have had lessons and years of horse ownership. The husband is still riding at the age of 70, his wife is younger. Their horses are kept at home and cherished.

I am looking for a stb who will take care of them.

They heard of a STB ex-Richmond Police Horse, but the horse was already placed when they called.

Please post or pm me.

[Phaxxton]

Standardbred Lovers,

I need your help! I am helping my very kind neighbors find a standardbred for riding on trails. They are timid riders, who have had lessons and years of horse ownership. The husband is still riding at the age of 70, his wife is younger. Their horses are kept at home and cherished.

I am looking for a stb who will take care of them.

They heard of a STB ex-Richmond Police Horse, but the horse was already placed when they called.

Please post or pm me.

Have you checked with New Vocations (www.horseadoption.com (http://www.horseadoption.com)) lately? I got my Joey there straight off the track. I wouldn't recommend timid riders get one right off the track, but they sometimes have trained / experienced Standies for adoption... Worth a look as they are a fabulous organization! :yes:

[jengersnap]

Hey Wicker, the "riderless horse" for President Regan's funeral was a standardbred too. They are amazing indeed ;)

Where are you located? It might help with suggestions.

[whicker]

Sorry, I am still new at posting:uhoh:

I live in the the Virginia hunt country, near Washington, DC. Think Middleburg, and you see soft green rolling hills, small mountains of the Blue Ridge, miles of hunt trails. My neighbors have a beautiful small horse farm, and take care of the horses and the donkey themselves. The horses are part of the family along with the cats. They are the kind of people who have Christmas lights up in the stable all year long because it is a happy place.

They have a dressage arena, take lessons, and the husband, I think, may have hunted in England. I am helping them at the moment with a lovely dutch mare. She has impecable ground manners and they have learned to treat her re-sected white line foot. They are up to date on vet, farrier and dentistry.

The wife had a standardbred in her youth, and my international eventing horse was one, too. We think that a STB would take care of them. Reasonably bombproof is important. We have a neighborhood family of black bears, lots of deer, heron, owls, fox and alpacas and other surprises. Trail rides are always an adventure!

By the way, I am just their friend, not an agent. They are an important part of our neighborhood horse group.

[SunnysideJate]

I love love love Standardbreds! I am a true convert... I bought Sunnyside Jate 2 yrs ago and he has impressed me a million times over. He never raced but did not have any real under saddle training until I met him. I always had Quarter Horses (which I still have and love) but it is STBs from now on. He has a canter to die for!

Sunny is entering the show ring for the first time at the Nat'l Standardbred Show at the NJ Horsepark this August:D

Elaine

[piaffequeen]

[It is very hard to find a STB close to where I live as there are no tracks. But I have the feeling my next horse will be one...[/QUOTE]

How far are you from Moore County? We have the standarbreds during the winter at Pinehurst!

[Shiaway]

Warms my heart to see so many people enjoying this awesome breed.

[SunnysideJate]

Hey Whicker try The Standardbred Retirement Foundation. Although they are located in NJ they may still be able to help you. They have an extensive network of contacts. The website is www.adoptahorse.org it is an excellent organization run by very dedicated people.

Good luck in your search :)

Elaine

[jeano]

My farrier in OH was a die-hard gaited horse trail riding guy and his all time favorite horse was a TINY little STB ex-racer pacing mare. He shoed her so she would gait (nothing abusive, no giant big lick pads or anything, just a little extra weight, slightly heavier front shoes I believe) and she toted his big lard behind up and down the SE Ohio hills for fast all-day trail rides. Very game, very sound, lovely little mare. He sold and re-boght her about ten times, she was so wonderful his trail riding cohort would offer him insane amounts of money for her and he'd sell her and then miss her so bad he'd cough up the dough to buy her back.

I would get one in a heartbeat but at present have a walker and a racker (the idiot stepchildren of the mighty STB, if you will.)

[LisaB]

If only little Butters was trained up enough, Whickers! He walks and trots and canters a few stride on the lunge. I would sell him to you in a heartbeat. He's only 3 but already the hubby rides him around. He truly is a love bug. I'm still amazed at him.

[middy]

Wicker - I sent you a PM as I may be able to help you but not till this fall.

[NowThatsATrot]

I would get one in a heartbeat but at present have a walker and a racker (the idiot stepchildren of the mighty STB, if you will.)


I admit, that made me LOL. :lol:

[whicker]

Thank you to those of you who are helping us find a Stb!

I really appreciate your thoughts and devotion to the breed. You have also encouraged my friends, so they are feeling better, too.

Middy, I am amazed that you felt like joining the quest. Must be a powerful determination and great drugs for your injury.

Sunnysidejate, I looked at the website and we will call them for more information.

More info. for the quest:

The wife is 5'11", long legged and big boned. Her husband is about the same height. I think we need a weight carrier that is has some height. I think we would prefer one that has had some dressage training, so their cues would match. Voice commands would also help. They have a timid rider, loose rein approach, with little strength. The horse is on the honor roll to be a saint and take care of them.

Thanks again!

[LisaB]

New vocations has some broodmares that might do the trick. Sadly little Butters is a wee 15h with NO neck. Grow dammit!

[middy]

Whicker - I do have some good drugs but I can do most of the legwork trying to find a horse for your friends sitting on my butt. Plus I get to catch up with all my track friends that I don't see very often. Whatever I find I will keep at my horse for a while to determine if it would be a good fit and if it won't fit your needs I'm sure I can find someone else who it would fit.

Good Luck!!!

[Big_Tag]

I don't know if I am allowed to do this but this guy belonged to us since he was a yearling. I love, love, love him and if I was in ANY position to have kept him myself, I would have, but if any COTH-ers were interested I will be happy to give you any information I can on him. He is actually my COTH ID namesake :)

http://horseadoption.com/tag-after-tax/

[middy]

He looks like a very nice horse. I hope he finds a wonderful home. I'm sure he will.

[HenryisBlaisin']

I want Love to Talk from New Vocations SO badly! It's jsut not in the cards right now, though...

[Miss Aria]

There is a Standardbred available on page 3 [top of page] of the Broker pages on the AC4H site. Only $290.00, don't know anything more about it though.

[MSP]

I don't know if I am allowed to do this but this guy belonged to us since he was a yearling. I love, love, love him and if I was in ANY position to have kept him myself, I would have, but if any COTH-ers were interested I will be happy to give you any information I can on him. He is actually my COTH ID namesake :)

http://horseadoption.com/tag-after-tax/

FYI, New vocations has him at 16.1 hands and the video has him at 17 hands.

Love his free trot!

[Big_Tag]

FYI, New vocations has him at 16.1 hands and the video has him at 17 hands.

Love his free trot!

I saw that. He is BIG. I don't think we ever sticked him but he has to be 17hh.