Columbus, OH – The fourth season of the Standardbred Incentive Program (SIP), organized by the United States Trotting Association has once again showed growth, both in participation numbers and for the number of awards presented. With 58 people and 77 horses participating in the 2025 SIP season, the program showed a 13.7% and 24% increase, respectively from the 2024 to 2025 seasons. The biggest participation growth was from those that submitted trail miles. Participants from 19 states and one province participated in shows approved in 22 states and that one province (Alberta).
“The Standardbred Incentive Program reflects the USTA’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for Standardbreds beyond the racetrack,” said TC Lane, the USTA’s chief operating officer. “We are proud to continue investing in and growing this program, but its true success depends equally on our industry participants joining in, by enrolling their horses, participating, and embracing the beauty, versatility, and character of the Standardbred. Industry involvement is what truly brings this program to life and secures a strong future for the breed both on and off the track.”
Division and subdivision winners for the 2025 show season will be announced soon, and with increased participation, SIP will be awarding more awards than ever. Since the inception of SIP, Champion and Reserve Champion awards have been available for each division (Carriage/Pleasure Driving, Dressage, English Flat, Gaited, Games & Contesting, Halter, Handler Performance, Over Fences, Roadster, Three-Phase, Trail & Endurance and Western). Then, subdivisional winners were added if that subdivision had five or more participants. New for the 2025 season, SIP will recognize additional placings if there are:
If there are more than 10 participants in a division or subdivision, third and fourth place will also be recognized;
If there are more than 15 participants in a division or subdivision, fifth place will also be recognized.
The Standardbred Incentive Program was launched in May 2022 and is designed to recognize the participation and achievements of Standardbreds off the track. The current 2026 show season started Dec. 1, 2025, and will run through Nov. 30, 2026. More information about the Standardbred Incentive Program, including tutorials for enrolling, can be found on this page of the Life After Racing section of the USTA website. Questions about SIP can be directed to Jourdan Miller at 614-224-2291, x 3211.