I think one breed is used for racing with a jockey on their back and the other used for harness racing, but they're both racehorses aren't they really? How could you tell the difference between them ifyou met one?

Im not really sure if I could or not to tell you the truth. I have seen many of both and tried to guess and it always ended that I was wrong. Its almost like when you see a fast car tricked out right away you can tell its a racer, and then sometimes with sleeper cars you just cant.

The two breeds are branded quite differently in Australia, which is the easiest way to tell. If the brand is on the neck, it's a standardbred.

Standardbreds are also said to ahve a more 'roman' nose, but I'm not convinced on that one, and are supposed to be quieter.

The Standardbred has a bigger build and a longer body than the Thoroughbred. They are known to be one of the fastest harness racers. They are also known for their good disposition. Hackneys and Morgans, along with several other breeds have contributed to the bloodline of the Standardbred. I found it interesting to learn that in order to be registered a Standardbred most be able to run a mile in 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

If the animals are both good specimens of their breed, and not simply "just" a TB or Standard bred it is entirely possible to tell them apart. They are built slightly differently which contributes to their usage differences. I'd definitely say I've seen plenty of Standardbreds with a roman nose...makes them look almost angry while concentrating. ;)