Thoroughbred vs. Standardbred — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Thoroughbred horses are bred for racing speed and agility. Standardbreds are bred for harness racing, with a focus on stamina. The two breeds differ primarily in racing style, gait, and lineage.
Difference Between Thoroughbred and Standardbred
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Key Differences
Thoroughbred horses are well-known for their speed and agility and are most commonly associated with flat racing. Standardbreds, on the other hand, are often involved in harness racing, which tests their stamina and specific gaits, namely trotting or pacing.
Thoroughbreds can trace their lineage back to three foundational Arabian horses, while Standardbreds have a more diverse ancestry, but are generally descended from Thoroughbreds and other breeds.
Thoroughbreds often have taller, more slender bodies, optimized for speed and agility. Standardbreds, conversely, have a more muscular build, which suits them for the demands of harness racing.
Thoroughbreds are also more likely to be involved in other equestrian sports like show jumping or eventing, whereas Standardbreds are primarily known for their role in harness racing.
Both breeds have specific registries that maintain their pedigree records, with the Jockey Club for Thoroughbreds and the U.S. Trotting Association for Standardbreds.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Flat racing
Harness racing
Gait
Gallop
Trot or Pace
Lineage
Three key Arabian ancestors
More diverse, often descended from Thoroughbreds
Body Build
Taller, more slender
More muscular
Registry
The Jockey Club
U.S. Trotting Association
Compare with Definitions
Thoroughbred
Originating from three Arabian ancestors.
This Thoroughbred has an impressive lineage.
Standardbred
Known for trotting and pacing gaits.
Standardbreds are trained to maintain a steady trot or pace.
Thoroughbred
Often used in flat racing and other equestrian sports.
The Thoroughbred excelled in both racing and jumping.
Standardbred
Often have a more muscular build.
The Standardbred's strong build is ideal for harness racing.
Thoroughbred
A horse bred for speed and agility in racing.
The Thoroughbred sprinted ahead in the final stretch.
Standardbred
A horse breed used in harness racing.
The Standardbred performed well in the trotting race.
Thoroughbred
Registered with The Jockey Club.
His Thoroughbred is officially registered.
Standardbred
Registered with the U.S. Trotting Association.
She registered her Standardbred for official races.
Thoroughbred
Characterized by a tall, slender build.
You can identify a Thoroughbred by its graceful appearance.
Standardbred
Descended from a diverse lineage including Thoroughbreds.
The Standardbred's lineage makes it versatile and durable.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed.
Standardbred
The Standardbred is an American horse breed best known for its ability in harness racing, where members of the breed compete at either a trot or pace. Developed in North America, the Standardbred is recognized worldwide, and the breed can trace its bloodlines to 18th-century England.
Thoroughbred
A purebred or pedigreed animal, especially a horse.
Standardbred
Any of an American breed of trotting and pacing horses developed especially for harness racing by crossing Thoroughbreds with Morgans and other breeds.
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred Any of a breed of horses, bred chiefly for racing, originating from crosses between Arabian stallions and English mares.
Standardbred
(horse racing) A breed of horse bred specifically for harness racing
Thoroughbred
A well-bred person.
Thoroughbred
Bred of pure stock; purebred.
Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred Relating or belonging to horses of the Thoroughbred.
Thoroughbred
Thoroughly trained or educated; well-bred.
Thoroughbred
Bred from pure stock.
Thoroughbred
Well-bred and properly educated.
Thoroughbred
Alternative case form of Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred
(loosely) Any purebred horse.
Thoroughbred
A person of uncommon strength or endurance (like that of a thoroughbred horse).
That athlete is a real thoroughbred.
Thoroughbred
A well-bred person.
Thoroughbred
Bred from the best blood through a long line; pure-blooded; - said of stock, as horses. Hence, having the characteristics of such breeding; mettlesome; courageous; of elegant form, or the like.
Thoroughbred
A well-bred person
Thoroughbred
A racehorse belonging to a breed that originated from a cross between Arabian stallions and English mares
Thoroughbred
A pedigreed animal of unmixed lineage; used especially of horses
Thoroughbred
Having a list of ancestors as proof of being a purebred animal
Common Curiosities
Do Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds have different gaits?
Yes, Thoroughbreds generally gallop, while Standardbreds trot or pace.
What is a Thoroughbred?
A Thoroughbred is a horse bred primarily for speed and agility in racing.
What is a Standardbred?
A Standardbred is a horse bred primarily for harness racing.
Are Thoroughbreds taller?
Generally, Thoroughbreds have a taller and more slender build.
What's the main difference between the two?
Thoroughbreds are used for flat racing, while Standardbreds are used for harness racing.
What's the primary association for Standardbreds?
Standardbreds are registered with the U.S. Trotting Association.
Can Thoroughbreds compete in other equestrian sports?
Yes, they often participate in show jumping and eventing as well.
Are Standardbreds versatile?
They are primarily known for harness racing but can be trained for other activities.
Are Thoroughbreds faster?
Thoroughbreds are bred for speed and agility, often making them faster in flat races.
Can you ride a Standardbred like a Thoroughbred?
While mainly used for harness racing, Standardbreds can be ridden but have different gaits.
What's the primary association for Thoroughbreds?
Thoroughbreds are registered with The Jockey Club.
Do Standardbreds have better stamina?
They are bred for harness racing, which requires good stamina.
What is the lineage of Standardbreds?
Standardbreds have a more diverse lineage, often descended from Thoroughbreds.
What is the lineage of Thoroughbreds?
Thoroughbreds trace their lineage to three key Arabian ancestors.
Can Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds crossbreed?
It's possible, but the resulting horse may not excel in the specific traits each breed is known for.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
