What is the natural gait of a standardbred horse?

Question

I claim standardbreds only pace or trot when they are racing. My friend contends standardbreds keep that gait even while frolicking in the field. Who is right?

Answer 1

Your friend is right.  I used to break standardbred yearlings and they would come in from the fields pacing.  The will break into a canter or gallop if they choose, but they spend an awful lot of time trotting/pacing.