In an effort to create a faster horse, Thoroughbred blood was introduced to Morgan blood. This horse became what is known today as the Standardbred. Through careful breeding, a breed standard was established and the Standardbred horse was born. It is described as having a well proportioned head that is refined and chiseled with a straight profile. Its body is compact with a short back, long sloping shoulders and long, high croup with a noticeably longer undercarriage.
Colors are bay, brown, black, chestnut, and occasionally gray, without spots or patches.
Muscling is heavy and long which allows for the Standarbred's characteristic long, fluid stride. Strong, straight, well muscled legs are also an important part of Standardbred horses' conformation. Standarbreds characteristically have a huge stride when compared to other light saddle horses. By pacing, a horse exerts less effort than it does when trotting. This allows the horse to accelerate faster, reach a higher overall speed, and maintain that speed for a longer distance.