Both breeds are race horses with huge fan bases throughout the world. Standardbreds are also known as Trotters and they race with a  a two-wheeled cart called a sulky, or spider, occupied by a driver. Thoroughbreds race with a rider.

7 Difference Between Stardardbred and Thoroughbred Races and Horses

1. In a Standardbred horse race the competition is at a trot or pace, in a Thoroughbred race they gallop.

2. Thoroughbred horses have been bread to run. Standardbred horses are considered to have a better disposition with humans and are used for a variety of equestrian activities, including horse shows and pleasure riding.

3. The Standardbred is heavier in build than the Thoroughbred, but still shows quality and beauty. Standardbred’s are generally a bit heavier in build than Thoroughbreds, but have refined, solid legs and powerful shoulders and hindquarters.

Standardbreds have a wide range of heights, from 14 to 17 hands (56 to 68 inches, 142 to 173 cm), although most are between 15 and 16 hands (60 and 64 inches, 152 and 163 cm).

4. Many people tend to confuse Thoroughbred racing and harness racing, although the two racing games have many differences.

Thoroughbred racing is more popular then harness racing, however, I could argue that Trotters have a more dedicated fan base.

Both have a large crowd of dedicated fans. The major difference between these two types of racing is that the harness racing, also known as standard bred racing uses a sulky, which is a lightweight cart with two wheels and is attached to the horse by use of a harness. It gives the race its name, while in thoroughbred racing a jockey rides the horse.

5.There is a distinct difference between the two types of races that many fans are not aware of. In a Standardbred race horses are not allowed to Gallop.

In a standardbred race the risk exist that the horse might start to gallop, if this is the case & it’s not slowed down in time by the driver, it could face disqualification. Standardbred drivers are as skilled as Thoroughbred riders in my opinion.

This has been an ongoing argument that will never be settled.

6. The start of the races are different. Thoroughbred races commence behind a motorized starting gate, and start as soon as the final horse enters the starting gate.

In a Harness races the horses can stand behind the starting line or trot around in circles behind a moving vehicle to start the race.

7. Thoroughbred racing contain two types of races: the Jumping races and the flat racing. The flat racing can be carried out over different distances and on different terms while Jumping races and steeplechase are run over very long distances and the horses carry extra weight. These races start with the horses behind the startup tape and by flag.