by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Outreach & Membership Enrichment Coordinator

Columbus, OH — Summertime not only means a busy racing season, but also a busy show season for our off-the-track Standardbreds. As you train and take your horse to shows, trail rides and other events, don’t forget to sign him or her up to receive the various breed awards available, both from the USTA and from your local Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization.

The USTA sponsors breed awards through the American Driving Society, American Endurance Ride Conference and the United States Dressage Federation; class trophies to the winner of the Roadster Classic in Louisville; as well as to the Fresh off the Track division champion at the Standardbred National and World shows (New Jersey and Ohio, respectively).

For the breed awards through ADS, AERC and USDF, all you need to do to be eligible is declare your horse as Standardbred on their registration paper with the appropriate organization. To be eligible for the Roadster Classic, your Standardbred must be in their first season of showing and be nominated by June 3 via the American Road Horse and Pony Association.

There are SPHOs across the country that also have high point awards for various disciplines, classes and participation in demonstrations, parades, etc. For more information about an SPHO near you that might have opportunities for you and your off-the-track Standardbred, visit this page on the USTA website.

Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public about the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing.

For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit lifeafterracing.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.