The pace is a two-beat lateral gait in which the horse moves both legs on the same side together simultaneously — near fore and near hind, then off fore and off hind. Unlike the trot, which pairs diagonal legs, the pace pairs lateral legs. The result is a distinctive rocking, side-to-side motion that is faster than a walk but distinctly different in rhythm and feel from any other gait.
How the Pace Differs from the Trot
At the trot, a horse moves its diagonal pairs: left fore with right hind, then right fore with left hind. The pace reverses this pairing to lateral legs. The visual effect is unmistakable — the horse appears to swing its body from side to side rather than moving in the more balanced, forward-projecting motion of the trot. For a rider, the pace can feel uncomfortable and unsettling, as the lateral rolling motion offers less stability than the trot’s diagonal suspension.
The pace also lacks the moment of suspension that characterises a well-engaged trot. Some horses naturally produce a four-beat, ambling variation that blends elements of both gaits — these intermediate movements are common in gaited breeds.
Breeds That Naturally Pace
While most horses trot naturally, certain breeds are selectively bred for the pace. The Standardbred is the most prominent example — Standardbred harness racing is divided into trotters and pacers, and pacing Standardbreds consistently outpace their trotting counterparts over racing distances. Other naturally gaited breeds that may pace or produce pace-like gaits include the Icelandic Horse (which performs the tölt, an ambling gait), the Paso Fino, and the Tennessee Walking Horse.
In British and Irish riding, pacing is generally not a desirable gaited characteristic. If a riding horse breaks into a pace, it is usually a sign of tension, fatigue, or an underlying training issue that needs addressing.
The Pace in Harness Racing
Harness racing, sanctioned by organisations such as the FEI for international driving competition and by national bodies for standardbred racing, sees pacing as a legitimate and fast racing gait. Pacing horses often wear hopples — hobble straps that link the fore and hind leg on each side — to maintain the gait and prevent breaking into a canter or trot during a race. Pacing race times often beat trotting race times over the same distance, making it the preferred gait for many harness trainers.
When a Riding Horse Paces Unintentionally
A riding horse that falls into a pace rather than a proper trot is a training problem worth addressing. Common causes include tension, crookedness, heavy-handed contact that blocks diagonal movement, and poor hind engagement. Exercises such as pole work can help re-establish diagonal footfall by encouraging the horse to pick up and place its feet more deliberately. Transitions and lateral work may also help.
If a horse naturally paces in a gaited breed context, this is simply its inherited gait and should be ridden and trained accordingly rather than corrected away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pacing considered a fault in dressage?
Yes. In dressage, the trot is a required gait and must display correct diagonal footfall. A horse that paces instead of trots would receive very low marks and might be eliminated depending on the degree. Correct lateral balance, rhythm, and engagement are fundamental to dressage training. See our entry on the reinback for another gait assessed in dressage tests.
Can you train a horse out of pacing?
In most cases, yes — particularly in non-gaited breeds where pacing is a training fault rather than a genetic tendency. Suppling exercises, consistent lateral work, and transitions help rebalance the horse and restore correct diagonal movement. A qualified trainer experienced in gait correction can make a significant difference.
What is the difference between a pace and a tölt?
The tölt is a four-beat lateral gait unique to Icelandic Horses, where each foot lands separately in a lateral sequence. The pace is a two-beat lateral gait where both lateral legs land simultaneously. The tölt is smooth and comfortable to ride; the pace is rolling and less so. Both use lateral leg pairing, but their rhythm and feel are quite different.