Here's the breakdown:
* Early Days: The breed originated in the 18th century in North America, specifically from the combination of Thoroughbred stallions and various local mares. These horses were initially used for trotting races.
* The "Standard" Emerges: To make racing fair and consistent, a group of breeders in 1871 formed the "National Association for the Improvement of the American Trotting Horse." They established a "standard" of performance, setting minimum times that a horse had to achieve in races to be considered part of the breed.
* The Name Takes Hold: This focus on standardization led to the breed being officially named the "Standardbred." The name reflects the importance of the standard of performance in the breed's definition.
So, while the Standardbred is known for its speed and trotting ability, its name highlights the controlled and consistent breeding program that led to its creation.