U.S. Hall of Fame broodmare Western Montana has passed away at the age of 22.
Bred by Frederick W. Hertrich III and Lewis Arno, Western Montana was foaled on May 11, 2004 in Federalsburg, Md. She was purchased as a yearling by Diamond Creek Farm at the Standardbred Horse Sales Co.'s yearling sale in 2005. As a racehorse, Western Montana won five races, took at mark of 1:52.1f and banked $186,335 before retiring to the Diamond Creek broodmare ranks.
Western Montana produced 13 registered foals, 12 foals of racing age with 10 starters and more than $4.9 million in total earnings. Her most successful offspring include Pure Country p,4,Q1:48 ($2,628,213), Charleston p,3,1:49.4f ($885,289) and Grand Teton p,3,1:48.1 ($566,295). She was inducted into the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 2024.
Noting she was "integral to the growth and success" of the farm, Diamond Creek reported that Western Montana passed away on Jan. 27, 2026.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the connections of Western Montana.
(Standardbred Canada; with files from the U.S. Harness Racing Hall of Fame)