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The Standardbred
By Catrina Godden

I am yesterday’s founding sire,
Today’s great dam.
The shadow of tomorrow’s
Famed I am.

I boast the great Messenger,
A clever pony or two.
The Morgan and Arabs all three,
Their blood courses through.

For a century or more
My breed has been whole.
My book was closed
With refinement and soul.

I have created new breeds,
This the Saddlebreds don’t regret.
The Tennessee Walkers
Requirements I’ve met.

Though I’m well known
In the arena of speed,
Performance under saddle
Is also my creed.

My gait is not unique,
Though highly refined.
I will travel with ease
Wether you sit on or behind.

With the disabled astride
I willingly obey.
Or as a dressage mount
I will exhibit more disciplined ways.

As a first horse
For the eager and keen,
Or working stock
I may be seen.

My colour abound,
Though no appaloosa or true black.
I am the chestnuts and brown
Of the traditional hack.

The grey with dapples,
All smoky and blue.
Roans with bay heads
Cream and buckskin too.

The warm woody tones of the bay
And blacks that are near night.
Some of my kind
God had splashed with white.

I carry the brand of distinction
For all to see.
That signifies I am a horse
For performance or company.

I’m often misjudged
Because of my name.
It doesn’t imply we are common
Just capable of the same.

I do vary in type
As I’ve been bred for speed,
A horse for all seasons
Whatever the need.

I may earn money and trophies
Ribbons galore.
But winning hearts
Is where I really score.

I am yesterday’s courage,
Today’s gracefully bred.
Tomorrow’s versatility,
I am the Standardbred.

Please visit the website of the author Skewbald Racing Stables

Used with the Authors permission

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MISSION STATEMENT
Philosophy
All Standardbred horses deserve the opportunity to live a full, complete life in a safe environment.

Mission
The mission of the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine is to encourage recruitment, retraining, placement and promotion of the Standardbred horse's versatility for pleasure purposes before, during, and after harness racing careers. Further, the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Maine serves its membership by providing and promoting programs that will ensure responsible ownership of Standardbred horses.