The majority of harness races start from behind a motorized starting gate. The pace is a natural gait for many horses, and hobbles are an aid in supporting the gait at top speed trotting hobbles (a different design, due to the difference in the gait) are becoming increasingly popular for the same reason. Pacers are less likely to break stride as they often wear hobbles (a hobble is a strap connecting the legs on each of the horse's sides). A horse which starts to gallop must be slowed down and taken to the outside until it resumes trotting or pacing.
Pacing horses are faster and less likely to break stride. Pacing races constitute about 85% of the harness races conducted in North America. Trotting vs Pacing TrottingĪ trotter moves its legs forward in diagonal pairs (right front and left hind, then left front and right hind striking the ground simultaneously), whereas a pacer moves its legs laterally (right front and right hind together, then left front and left hind). They usually pull a two-wheeled cart called a sulky.
Harness racing is a form of horse racing whereby the horses race at a specific trot or pace also known as a gait. Get up to an 8% horse betting rebate and there is a $150 Bonus for new members. You can bet on harness races from your home computer, mobile or tablet.
