Beginner's question - why do I see no Standardbreds at shows?

[zinnniaz]

Wanted to post another photo of a standardbred driving at a show. They are definitely out there-- you just may not know what you are looking at:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_uijDDYZ57c...h/DSC00104.jpg

As for finding a good one, touch base at the track, get in contact with rescues and specify what you are looking for and maybe they will think to call you when one comes in that fits your description. There are plenty out there and they are pretty wonderful.

[zinnniaz]

Re: bending. Standardbreds most certainly CAN bend. They need conditioning and traingng after they are done their race carreers but they can be quite flexible once you help them past some of the baggage of the equipment etc needed for racing. STBs have great endurance and fitness. They are smart and level headed and just about the sanest driving horses I've had privilege to meet. There is a size and shape of standardbred out there for just about everyone. I will never be without one in my barn.

[lolalola]

I just wish they wouldn't tattoo them under the mane. Some of them look like they are spray-painted on. It's not so noticeable on my grey STB, but it sticks out like a sore thumb on the usual bays and browns.

[JustFive]

Wow, Zinnniaz, that horse is drop dead gorgeous in that photo. I'll check with my farrier whose sons race up north and see if there is something out there that might work for a beginner. We know horses, we just don't have the hours of driving we need. My instructor says I do everything correctly, just need to see more situations.

[beautifuldreamer]

We just adopted a STB from New Vocations. I was frustrated during the application processing time as I saw some beautiful horses being adopted as I waited for approval. However, once approved, things moved quickly for us. Dot, the woman who runs the STB arm of New Vocations, knows her horses, is no nonsense and honest. She places a lot of horses, and does not dilly-dally. She knows her business!

Oh, and our STB, though green, is coming along. She's a fast and willing learner.

-Liz

[zinnniaz]

Originally Posted by JustFive

Wow, Zinnniaz, that horse is drop dead gorgeous in that photo. I'll check with my farrier whose sons race up north and see if there is something out there that might work for a beginner. We know horses, we just don't have the hours of driving we need. My instructor says I do everything correctly, just need to see more situations.

She is a stunner. I own her half sister and both mares are just *pretty*. I love my girl. What you need is to find a way to get the horse assessed for you. It would be nice if you knew someone at the track who could make sure you find a good prospect. Which state does your farrier's son race in?