Allentown, NJ – Veterinarian Michelle Clarke said it best: “People just don’t realize the versatility of the Standardbred horse.
“After a racing career is over, they are the most agile athletes of all equine breeds and can be used as a riding horse, show horse, therapy horse and much more for anybody in need.”
Probably the greatest proof of the versatility of the Standardbred comes in the form of the three-day National Standardbred Horse Show, to be showcased at The Horse Park of New Jersey, near Allentown, from Sept. 19-21. This is the 31st edition of the show.
Spokesperson Helene Gregory has been a champion for the show, managed by the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of New Jersey, for well over 20 years and is excited about this year’s show, saying, “This show has the ingredients of our best show in history as we have classes for riders in age groups 12 and under, 13 through 18, 19 to 49 and 50-plus in well over 100 class events.”
Those classes include Dressage, In Harness, Obstacle Driving, Barrel Racing, Walk/Trot, English/Western, Equitation Horsemanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Showmanship, Western Pleasure and Ranch Horse, to name a few – all featuring Standardbreds.
Gregory continued, “I got involved because we had a young trotter who just didn’t quite make it as a racehorse.
“But, instead of ‘throwing the horse away,’ we re-trained the horse, and the agility and learning ability has been absolutely astounding and heart-warming and well worth it!
“From there, I got ‘JB’ and, here it is 17 years later, he’s with me for this year’s show!”
Yet another entrant in this National Standardbred Horse Show is Twin B Impressive, now retired from racing at age 16.
Twin B Impressive raced just before last year’s show, as well as after the show, and chalked up 53 lifetime wins in 351 starts, earning $681,928. He won every year during his 14 years on the track.
Trainer Mary Beth Ranger explained, “He’s living proof of the versatility of the Standardbred and is readying for this year’s show … quite an amazing horse, he is!”
The show welcomes retired horses – some are still racing – and past participants have given much pride and joy to their owners, especially for those that come away with ribbons.
Sponsorships are available in the form of “Presenting Sponsors,” as well as Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsors and there are “supporter” sponsors, with mention in the show program and social media shares with company/farm links.
United States Harness Driver’s Club (USHDC) Treasurer Tom Eichas chimed in saying, “This show is one of the greatest events highlighting the Standardbred in North America.
“From the youngest Standardbreds to some in their 20s, this show magnifies the versatility, gameness, docile nature and therapeutic value in one’s life … and when I say ‘one’s life,’ it can be a young child or someone long retired – say, 3 to 93!”
The USHDC is sponsoring several classes in the 13-18-year-old classes and Eichas is inviting other amateur driving clubs to join in furthering the Standardbred breed in the 2025 edition of the National Standardbred Horse Show.
The advertising deadline is July 1, 2025.