The Australian Standardbred. Racing or Riding horse?
My name is Laura Sewell and I have two STB geldings. Both of them were succesful race horses but were retired simply because their owner couldn't afford to continue racing them. They were bound for the dogs until I stepped in and bought them. With neither of them being saddle-broken, I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. I needn't have worried. The temperament of the Standardbred is a force to be reckoned with. They are constantly handled everyday including their legs and much less highly strung than thoroughbreds. However, because they are mostly pacers, many people think they can only be used as race horses. A riding career was almost unheard of for a retired trotter.
That was a few years ago. Now many shows hold classes for ridden Standardbreds and there is a branch of the Standardbred Pleasure and Performance Horse Association (S.P.P.H.A) in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. Their aim is to promote the STB in all areas of equestrian sports. They are similar to the SPHO in America. If you would like more information on the SPPHA, email Laura
Come and read my story about
Sandstorm. He was an emergency rescue who won his way into our hearts. We've since sold him to a man who is using him to lead young gallopers from, and he is apparently loving being back in harness and is excelling at his job.
About my horsies
Springwood Brett
Brett
is 15.2hh, bay and turning 13 on the 3rd of November. He has been used for
RDA
but although he was perfectly trustworthy, he hated the monotonous work and the people who worked there, not to mention the fact that they neglected him and allowed him to get covered in itch. He's back home getting fat in the paddock now :) The only two things that worry him are blue tarps and palm leaves that are on the ground. He is a really observant horse. If something is different to how it was the day before, he has to have a look and make sure everything is okay. He won three races, two registered. He only cost me $300
Shane Micheal
Shane
is a 15hh chestnut with a white to half-cannon on his near hind. He is turning 11 on the 3rd of February. His first outing as a dressage horse was the MDHRG Champs '96. He came third in his first two tests and then won his test the next day! 10 wins after his racing debu, he was pricked by a nail three days before a race. Of course he pulled up lame. The vet said he had broken a pedal bone. Although his owner knew what the problem was, he didn't say anything because he would have been fined for starting him. He couldn't afford to keep him for the time it would take for him to recover and regain fitness so that's how I got him. His grandsire is the great Pale-Face Adios. Shane doesn't have a white face though. I bought him for $150.
As you can see, it is well worthwhile buying a STB!
My boys weren't cheap. They had never had a saddle on their backs. I paid dog money for them and this is quite normal. Through the SPPHA you can also adopt a STB.
I have had quite a number of people ask me about STB facts. I am going to get a facts page one day...when I have some more time. Uni involves a lot more work than high school...not to mention that I now have somewhat of a social life. If anyone has anything they would like to know about the STB or has anything they would like on the page, please email me and I'll try to help everyone learn something. Me included!
I've also had countless recommendations to put up more pictures, so I'd like to invite anyone with pictures of their beloved STB, to send them to me so as I can include them somewhere on here. I don't have access to a scanner at the moment, so I can't add any more of my own.
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