Irish Standard Bred Pacer
Characteristics/Breed Standard
The Standardbred Pacer Horse should be a functionally correct model of balanced proportions that is conducive to successful performance at international level in harness racing disciplines.
The distinguishing characteristic of a Standardbred Pacer is the two beat “lateral gait” where the foreleg moves in unison with the hind leg on the same side. This ability is linked to single point mutation in gene DMRT3.
The horse should move correctly, be light-footed, balanced, and supple with good self-carriage and impulsion from the hindquarters. The horse should have a good temperament, be driveable/rideable, intelligent and willing to perform.
- Height: Ideally a Standardbred Pacer horse should stand between 158cms (15.2hh) and a maximum of 170cms (16.3hh) at maturity.
- Bone: Good, strong, clean bone
- Colour: Generally solid colours in the main, bay, brown, chestnut, black and grey.
Irish Standardbred Pacer Breeding objectives
The breeding objective is to produce a performance horse that is sound, athletic with good paces, good temperament and capable of performing at the highest international level.
To produce a horse that can qualify for racing as a 2-year-old or a 3-year-old in the standard qualifying times in force by the IHRA or other such international racing organization at the specific time of qualifying.
To produce potential future broodmares that can enter the breeding program following their racing career.
To produce potential future Stallions that can enter the breeding program following their racing career
