Horse breeds / Cuban trotter
Horse breed
Cuban trotter
The Cuban trotter, known in Cuba as the Trotador Cubano, is a harness breed developed on the island from Standardbred and other trotting lines brought in for the sport of harness racing. It was bred to trot at speed in the shafts of a sulky, and it has been used in Cuban harness racing and for pulling light carts and carriages.
Owners tend to find the Cuban trotter willing, calm, and easy to handle, with a steady, ground-covering trot that suits long distances. Its gaits are its selling point, and it is generally a practical choice for experienced drivers and riders who want a sensible, workmanlike horse. Beginners can do well with a quiet individual, though its harness background means a stable, consistent routine matters.
Day to day, a Cuban trotter needs regular work to stay fit and settled, along with turnout and company. Its trotting muscles and training require consistent conditioning, and it does best with a predictable schedule and time with other horses.
Good for: Experienced drivers, harness enthusiasts, pleasure trail riders
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1102 lb |
| Height | 60–64 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 50 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Cuba |
Expect to commit to a regular conditioning schedule, since this breed works best when kept fit and consistently handled.
Living with a Cuban trotter
Exercise
A healthy adult Cuban trotter typically benefits from about 45 to 60 minutes of ridden or harness work most days, along with turnout. Too little work can leave the horse overweight, bored, or fresh and hard to manage when asked to work.
Grooming
The Cuban trotter has a short, easy-care coat that needs regular brushing to remove dirt and loose hair. Mane and tail are typically kept tidy with light detangling. Feet should be trimmed or shod regularly, and clipping is usually only needed for horses that work hard in winter.
At home
Cuban trotters generally do well with daily turnout, with stabling used as shelter in harsh weather or when needed. The breed is typically hardy and adapts to a range of climates, though it is best kept in a warm, low-humidity setting when possible. It is social and should live with compatible companions. Most individuals are moderate keepers; work level and climate will determine how much feed is required, so monitor body condition closely.
Training
Cuban trotters learn quickly and respond well to patient, consistent handling, especially in harness work. Their natural strength is trotting, and they are well suited to harness racing, driving, and trail or pleasure driving, with some owners using them for riding. A green horse of this breed will usually need steady, low-pressure groundwork before harness work, and progress is often gradual but reliable.
Health
Like many harness breeds, Cuban trotters can be prone to leg and hoof concerns linked to heavy training and to conditions such as laminitis, particularly in horses that gain weight easily. Ask a veterinarian to advise on soundness, diet, and any breed-specific screening relevant to your horse.
- Laminitis
- Leg and hoof injuries
- Weight-related metabolic issues
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Cuban trotter
Forage and water, adult
16–26 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 992–1102 lb, and 9–17 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,050–$5,200
Hay about $1,840, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Cuban trotter is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Cuban trotter
Shelters and breed rescues list Cuban trotters and Cuban trotter mixes every week. Search adoptable Cuban trotters on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Cuban trotter right for you?
- Yes if you want a steady, willing harness horse
- Yes if you enjoy driving or trotting work
- Yes if you can commit to regular daily conditioning
- Think twice if you want a horse for loose, unstructured riding
- Think twice if you have no harness or trotting experience to build on
Questions owners ask
Is the Cuban trotter good for beginners?
It can be, if you choose a calm, well-started individual and get guidance from an experienced trainer, especially for harness work.
How much does a Cuban trotter cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, and bloodlines. Consult breeders and sales listings in your area for current pricing.
How tall is a Cuban trotter?
Adults typically stand about 152 to 163 centimetres at the withers, or roughly 15 to 16 hands.
How long do Cuban trotters live?
With good care, they commonly live into their mid to late twenties, similar to many light horse breeds.
Is the Cuban trotter an easy keeper?
Most are moderate keepers, but feed should match workload and body condition, since some individuals gain weight easily.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.