breeding the best to the best

standardbred

At Willow Oak, our broodmares band is based on four selection criteria without exception. Our criteria are:

(1) Superior conformation - This means balanced, moderately framed, feminine looking, super correct legs and hoofs, flat boned, well balanced (for either trotter or pacer gait that have slightly different ideal phenotypes due to the varying bio-mechanic requirements of their gait) sharp athletic smooth appearance appropriately muscled for her gait.

(2) Smooth and efficient gait with demonstrated speed. Prior race performance is a solid selection criteria assuming the other three criteria are present. But race performance alone is not a reliable predictor of broodmare quality. (Our mares without race records have been trained and observed demonstrating excellent gait and speed regardless of track records.)

(3) Strong pedigree with productive maternal extended family containing one or more Grand Circuit Champion colts in last three generations.

(4) Intelligent, willful, brave temperament.

There is no sliding scale. Either the mare meets all four criteria or she does not reside at Willow Oak Ranch.

ALL OF THE BELOW LISTED MARES MEET THIS RIGOROUS STANDARD