by Jessica Schroeder, U.S. Trotting Association Outreach

Columbus, OH — The threat of rain did not deter the 43 equine and 55 human exhibitors at the National Standardbred Show held at the Horse Park of New Jersey in Allentown on Sunday (August 21).

With 48 scheduled classes ranging from in-hand to driving, equitation to games, western to dressage, the day was full of Standardbreds showing that they can have meaningful careers after racing.

Vicki Wright photo

Helene Gregory (left, VP of SPHO-NJ) and Jessica Schroeder (center, Outreach Administrator of the USTA) present Maria Andersson and Ideal Michael the Fresh off the Track division champion awards.

The Fresh off the Track division, sponsored by the USTA, featured horses that had raced within the calendar year and were trying their hand at showing. Three classes, in-hand, under saddle and in harness, emphasized the Standardbred’s ability to quickly adapt to new careers. In fact, three of the five horses that competed in the division are still currently racing.

Ideal Michael, shown by Maria Andersson, was the division champion. The 8-year-old son of The Panderosa has earned $360,553 on the track and taken a lifetime mark of 1:50.1. Ideal Michael has the opportunity to add to his career earnings, as he is the morning line favorite in race 14 at Harrah’s Chester on Wednesday (August 24) for trainer Noel Daley.

The National Standardbred Show was presented jointly by the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey, the SBOA-NJ and the USTA.

Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program at the USTA has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public on the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.