Standardbred horses are well known for trail riding
Standardbred Fan Club
Standardbred horses have a well-deserved reputation for being stellar trail horses. Not only are the horses sturdy build a great advantage their stamina and excellent temperaments make them the ideal partner on the trails.
Standardbred horses are well known for their solid and reliable temperaments which helps considerably on the trails with all of the strange noises, colors and shapes. Not much fazes the Standardbred horse, they seem to take each situation in stride rather than instant panic when faced with the unknown.
Standie talents are many however like all former race horses there is rehabilitation and retraining required in preparation for a new career. A vet inspection to determine if there are any physical injuries that might prevent some of the more challenging equine sports is always recommended first when you adopt a pacer.
Standardbred horses really seem to enjoy trail riding and are rarely afraid to walk through a creek or
walk over or beside smaller logs that can fall on the trails. Many breeds of horses don't like strange or new
shapes such as the large rocks that are often near the trails however the Standardbred horses are rarely
even tempted to give them a second look.
If you have adopted a pacer (former harness racing Standardbred horse) it is almost guaranteed that the horse has been trailered and is used to going into a trailer for transportation. There is no requirement to train these horses how to trailer because they have experience in being trailered sometimes from one race track to another. If you enjoy heading out to remote places to enjoy the trails Standardbred horses are easy to transport, they load and unload easily.
In many parks the public share the trails with bicyclists and pedestrians. Standardbred horses are dependable when faced with a baby stroller or bicyclist on the trails rarely do the horses react. If you are uncertain, then dismount from your horse and hand walk the horse. When it is safe to do so you can ride again. Standardbreds are not considered 'spooky' horses they are steadfast troopers which also makes them ideal as riot horses and for police work. The trusted Standie is rarely fazed by anything and enjoys nature walks with a special riding companion.
I spent the $25.95 to download the Standardbred Fan Club's retraining video. I saved a bunch of money buying the horse and did the retraining myself like most people do from the video. The more difficult stuff like jumping needs an instructor but the pacers are so mellow you can trust that they wont be 'up in the air' which for horses being so big is reassuring.
Rodney
more retraining video reviews
Standardbred horses rarely balk at oncoming traffic however it is wise to hand walk your horse on the roads a few times first as an introduction to traffic. Former pacers are used to the noise of the crowds at the race track therefore loud noises are not that concerning for the breed. People walking dogs usually don't bother the horse although be aware that the dog could react to seeing such a large animal and to be cautious around them. Horses are prey animals and might be tempted to steer away from a reactive dog.
Practice safety before riding a horse in public places. Introduce your horse to walking over bridges and walking through rivers and creeks. If you have a friend with an experienced horse to ride with the first few times that's often all that is needed. Horses are great communicators and learn easily from each other. Standardbred horses often participate in public events like parades because of their excellent temperaments and they are used to crowds from their pacing race days. Their tolerance for noise and the unusual is very high.
If you are looking for a good trail horse a Standardbred is known as being one of the safest and most reliable. Trails are much less imposing than crowds and noises at the race track and the Standardbred relaxes in the tranquility of nature. Former pacers are not expensive from auctions and rescues comparatively and if you need to learn how to work with them the Standardbred Fan Club has a retraining video that shows you step by step how to prepare for many happy years together!
Trail riding is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities with a horse. People who have Standardbred horses will tell you that they are one of the safest horses to ride. They are mostly relaxed and calm. They are easy to saddle and groom. They trailer without issues. Horses can also sense danger on remote trails if there is any and seem to really enjoy the trek through the woods. A stop here and there for a tasty morsel of fresh grass will make your Standie beam with gratitude!
