Difference Between Saddlebreds & Standardbreds

Though both horses are American breeds, the Saddlebred and the Standardbred have separate histories and were bred for different purposes. Each of the breeds has specific physical and genetic traits that make them suited for the particular jobs they perform. Both horses can be used for pleasure riding, but the physical characteristics of each breed may better equip one or the other for sports such as jumping or dressage.

  1. History of the Breeds

    • The Saddlebred originated from horses brought from the British Isles that were known for their smooth ride. Eventually they came to be known as Narragansett Pacers. They were crossed with English thoroughbreds and known as "the American Horse" until the 1800s when they came to be called "Kentucky Saddlers." The Standardbred is a newer breed, descended from Messenger, a horse brought to America in 1788. Messenger's great grandson, the famous trotting horse Hambletonian, is another foundation sire of the breed, from whom 90 percent of the breed is derived.

    Breed Conformation

    • Saddlebreds range in size from 15 to 17 hands and can be found in every color. They have small ears and a long, muscular neck, with prominent withers and powerful shoulders, back and quarters. They are elegant and graceful, considered the ultimate show horse -- the "peacock" of the show ring. Standardbreds tend to be 15 to 16 hands and the prominent colors are bay, brown, black and chestnut. The head is refined on a medium-sized neck, and it has short legs and a long body, with powerful hindquarters.

    Different Gaits

    • Saddlebreds are a gaited horse, with two additional gaits beyond the walk, trot and canter. The slow gait and the rack are especially smooth for the rider, with the slow gait a prancing movement and the rack the faster version. The Standardbred was bred for its ability to trot or pace at racing speed. The "standard" of the Standardbred's name reflects its ability to trot or pace a mile under a certain time. Two-year-old Standardbreds are expected to make a mile in 2.20 minutes.

    Strengths of Each Breed

    • Typically, Saddlebreds are show horses that can be shown in harness, as three-gaited saddlers or as five-gaited saddlers. Though they can also make fine dressage and event horses, they are primarily recognized as a flashy show breed with a sweet "people-centered" personality. Standardbreds are bred for harness racing, but those that don't race or are retired from racing are made available for adoption as riding horses, or competition in other equine sports. Their steady dispositions make them ideal for pleasure riding.