Road horses are shown three different ways: to the bike (very similar to the jog carts found at the track), to the wagon (which is a four-wheeled vehicle) and under saddle.
Today's competitors wear the colors of the 1940s harness racing drivers and show the horses at three distinct speeds (jog, road gait and trot at speed). Just like in racing, breaks (cantering) are penalized.
The USTA Roadster Classic, established in 1997, is held every August at the World's Championship Horse Show at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville. This is a Saddlebred show, except for the 16 or so Roadster classes. Horses must be nominated through the ARHPA by June 1 to be eligible to compete.
The Standardbred Roadster 100, established in 2022, is held each November at the UPHA American Royal National Championship Horse Show in Kansas City. This is a Saddlebred, Hackney and Road Horse show where some of the best horses in the country compete for National Championship titles. Slots are purchased, similar to how the Mohawk Million/Next Generation race events; the class has a $100,000 purse.
The Roadster Off-Track Series, established in 2024, was created for horses that raced or were sold in a commercial yearling sale for racing purposes. Since many Roadster/Road Horse classes are open to other breeds of horses, this gives the opportunity for horses to compete against only other off-track Standardbreds. Nominations are due April 1 (supplemental nominations can be made by June 1). Information about the series and the nomination form can be found here. A FAQ informational sheet can be found here.
To be eligible to compete in the USTA Roadster Classic, the Standardbred Roadster 100, or the Roadster Off-Track Series horses must be registered Standardbreds with the USTA/SC. Other Roadster/Road Horse classes throughout the country are open to other breeds and crossbreds.
Click here for the United States Equestrian Federation page on Roadster horses.
For more information about showing Roadsters and Road Horse Classes:American Road Horse & Pony Association
Rick Adams - Secretary
(678) 296-7442
| Year | Driver | Registered Name (Show Name) | YOF | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Raymond Shively | Revved N Ready | 2015 | Jacob Beiler |
| 2022 | Debbie Foley | Happy Trails Sonny | 2009 | Charles White |
| Year | Driver | Registered Name (Show Name) | YOF | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Chris Gantley | ChuckiesSweetDream (Getcha Sum) | 2016 | Chris Gantley |
| 2022 | Steve Crabtree | Justahayfer | 2015 | Hillcroft Farm |
| 2021 | Michael Tunstall | Fantasy With Lou (Revved N Ready) | 2015 | Kieran Holahan |
| 2020 | Mike Felty | Neely Trainer (Outer Banks) | 2013 | Anthony Miller |
| 2019 | Jimmy Robertson | Divide N Conquer | 2013 | Karen Raque |
| 2018 | Debbie Foley | Hard Rock N Cookie (C U Later) | 2011 | Hagan Saddlebreds LLC |
| 2017 | James Nichols | Lima Duke (Genesis) | 2011 | Joseph O'Brien |
| 2016 | Steve Crabtree | Finnmaster | 2011 | Steve Crabtree |
| 2015 | Raymond Shively | Moveman (Track Star) | 2009 | Raymond Shively |
| 2014 | Raymond Shively | Stormont Wales (Warhorse) | 2007 | Raymond Shively |
| 2013 | Raymond Shively | Notorious De Vie (Taking Care of Business) | 2005 | Raymond Shively |
| 2012 | Luman Wadhams | Blaze of Sonshine | 2004 | Ann MacMurray-Cox |
| 2011 | Raymond Shively | Fox Valley Iceberg (Ice Man) | 2004 | Raymond Shively |
| 2010 | Melinda Moore | Just Like Ten (Belle Star) | 2001 | Melinda Moore |
| 2009 | Debbie Foley | S Sparrow Express | 2000 | Jason Schrock |
| 2008 | Debbie Foley | Trio Bolero G | 1999 | Thomas Caisse |
| 2007 | Raymond Shively | Otis Seelster (Thunder Bolt) | 2000 | Raymond Shively |
| 2006 | Debbie Foley | Wuddacomeover | 1998 | LuAnne Kilday |
| 2005 | Merrill Murray | King Simcoe | 1997 | Tyler Thomas & Matilda Ewald |
| 2004 | J.D. Gardner | Donven Lincoln(Big Red) | 1999 | Dougla Covert |
| 2003 | Danette Musselman | Raintree Muddy (Muddy Waters) | 1996 | Danette Musselman |
| 2002 | Ruth Gimple | G-Man Hoover (Imagine That) | 1993 | Helen Rosburg |
| 2001 | Chappy Chapman | Barnegat Light (Gingerbread Man) | 1992 | W.L. Chapman |
| 2000 | Raymond Shively | Krewzyn Over | 1996 | Carol Ann Hall |
| 1999 | Raymond Shively | When and Where | 1986 | Delovely Farms Inc |
| 1998 | Danny Bugg | Mighty Takeoff (Spill the Ink) | 1991 | Daniel Bugg |
| 1997 | Edwin Freedman | Sounds Like Fun (Power Ranger) | 1991 | Edwin Freeman |
Visit USTrottingNews.com for Roadster News from the U.S. Trotting Association.
