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 police mount
I’ll swear to protect and serve.
Or as a three day eventer
I’ll always keep my nerve.

As a Showjumper
To new heights I’ll soar.
Or as an exhibitor of speed
I’ll perform to the crowds roar.

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

We now do carry
Knights so bold,
Towards Fair Maidens
They hope to hold.

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.