Pace
The pace is a lateral two-beat gait: the two legs on the same side move together, instead of diagonally as in the trot.
What does this gait look like?
At the pace both legs on one side of the body land together: first left fore and hind, then right fore and hind. This makes the horse rock from side to side.
- Number of beats
- 2
- Footfall order
- left hind with left fore, right hind with right fore
- Suspension
- Yes
- Type
- Lateral (same-side)
More about this gait
The pace is a symmetrical two-beat gait, but lateral instead of diagonal. In the fast flying pace there is a clear moment of suspension; in a slow pace more hooves are on the ground at once. Icelandic horses show the flying pace over short distances, and many American harness racers pace instead of trot.
Which breeds show this gait?
Discover more
Sources: Hildebrand, M. (1965), Science 150(3697):701-708 (UC Davis) · Wikipedia.