The Standardbred racing industry in the province of Ontario has deep-seated roots stemming from the 17th century when the first trotting races were held usually in fields and the mid 18th century when racing took place on official courses with horses in harness. From a historical perspective, Standardbred racing is part of our heritage and occasionally you can find evidence of small fair tracks that still exist today that were once hubs of activity.

Over the centuries, the main objective of Standardbred breeders hasn’t changed: to select bloodlines that will produce the fastest horses. However, the sport has greatly evolved. Today, horse racing and breeding is the second largest agricultural sector in the province with annual recurrent expenditures by breeders and owners in excess of $2 billion. Over 60,000 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs have been generated.

The SBOA has also undergone many changes. Originally, the group formed in the late 1960’s as the Ontario Standardbred Improvement Association (OSIA) with the goal of promoting the breeding of quality Standardbred racehorses in the province of Ontario. The group was quite active, lobbying the government to employ measures that would make it attractive to breed horses in this province.

In 1974, the Ontario Sires Stakes were introduced. Today, Ontario has developed the reputation of having one of the best Sires Stakes programs in North America. One of the key elements of the Ontario Sires Stakes program is that stallions need to be registered with the program and resident in the province of Ontario for 170 consecutive days. Any foal resulting from a mating to a stallion registered with the program is Ontario Sires Stakes eligible.

After a series of name changes, the group is presently known as the Standardbred Breeders of Ontario (SBOA). The mission of the SBOA is to continue to encourage and support the growth of a financially viable and sustainable breeding industry while representing and clearly defining the breeders’ position on major issues to our industry partners, government and regulators. It also aims to provide breeders with improved communications and education resources.

The SBOA is involved in a number of initiatives that include but are not limited to:

• Providing a leadership role as an advocate of breeders’ priorities and interests with the government, regulators and other industry participants. The SBOA is consulted with on a regular basis on issues pertaining to the breeding industry such as the Standardbred Improvement Program review and the Ontario Mare Residency Program. The SBOA has a representative on the Ontario Racing Board which is the primary interface for the Industry with government and OLG.



• Support of the breeding industry through the establishment of four SBOA stakes races held for 3 year olds (trotting colts/geldings, trotting fillies, pacing colts/geldings and pacing fillies). 

It is imperative that breeders in Ontario continue to have a strong voice within the industry to maintain the health of the horse population for years to come. SBOA is your advocate within the industry and the SBOA board takes that responsibility actively.