Springfield, MA – The U.S. Trotting Association proudly featured seven off-track Standardbreds and their riders/drivers at the 2025 Equine Affaire in Springfield, MA, which took place from Thursday (Nov. 6) through Sunday (Nov. 9).
This year’s team included Tidewater Tomcat with Colleen Nolan-Tran, Xing the Delaware with Kelly Conn, Lindon’s Rose Me N with Meaghan Martin, Chocolate Delight with Maria Buchanan, RacingDownADream with Stephanie Jacobs, Good Bet with Lindsay Toms, and Slippery Slope with Shannon Wilson.
Standardbreds were showcased in three breed demonstrations throughout the weekend, giving audiences the chance to see the horses ridden, driven, and performing in action—highlighting the athleticism and adaptability that define the breed.
The Equine Fundamentals Forum also offered attendees an educational presentation on the Standardbred breed, aftercare, and retraining, followed by a Q&A session for those interested in transitioning or working with their own Standardbreds.
Two Standardbreds competed in the Versatile Horse and Rider Challenge, which featured a field of 26 horses: Merlins Magic (registered with the USTA as Parade) with rider Brianna Touzjian, placing ninth, and Chocolate Delight, placing 12th. Chocolate Delight also represented the breed in the Breed Bonanza, finishing 10th.
Visitors connected with Standardbreds throughout the weekend in the Breed Pavilion, meeting the horses up close and learning more about their temperament, versatility, and the many paths they take after racing.
A full video recap of the Standardbreds at the 2025 Equine Affaire can be viewed here.