What Is a Pace Animal in Biology and Racing?
Learn how an animal's distinct two-beat gait and its strategic function in setting speed for competition both define the meaning of a "pace animal."
The term “pace animal” has a dual meaning in biology and sport. It can describe an animal that naturally uses a specific gait, or it can refer to an animal used to set a consistent speed in competitive events. In biology, the “pace” is a distinct two-beat lateral gait where the legs on the same side of the body move in unison. In sports, a pace animal acts as a pacesetter to ensure a race unfolds at a predetermined speed, a function visible in events where strategy and stamina are tested.
The Distinctive Pacing Gait in Animals
The pace is a symmetrical, two-beat gait where the forelimb and hindlimb on the same side of the body move forward and backward together. This creates a side-to-side rocking motion as the animal is supported first by the right-side pair of legs and then by the left-side pair. This lateral synchronization distinguishes it from the trot, a diagonal two-beat gait where diagonally opposite legs move as a pair.
Several species naturally exhibit this pattern of movement. Camels are well-known pacers, a feature that may help prevent their long legs from interfering with each other. Certain long-legged dog breeds also naturally adopt a pacing gait. The most prominent animal associated with this gait is the American Standardbred horse, which has been selectively bred to perform the pace at high speeds. Icelandic horses are another breed known for their capacity to perform alternative gaits, including the pace.
The mechanics of the pacing gait offer certain advantages. In some animals, the lateral movement contributes to a smoother ride for a mounted rider by reducing the vertical jarring associated with a trot. For racing animals like the Standardbred, the pace is faster and more stable at high speeds than the trot, as the risk of breaking stride is reduced.
Pace Animals in Racing and Endurance
In competitive animal sports, pace animals are most notable in harness racing. This sport is dominated by the Standardbred horse, which competes at either a pace or a trot while pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky. Pacing races are the most common format, with pacers accounting for a significant majority of harness horses. These events are structured around the horse’s ability to maintain its specific gait over a set distance, and breaking into a gallop results in disqualification.
The term “pace animal” also describes a “pacesetter” or “pacemaker.” In this role, an animal is intentionally used to set a consistent and challenging speed for the other competitors. This is seen in Thoroughbred racing, where a horse known as a “rabbit” might be entered into a race by a stable to ensure a fast pace that benefits a stablemate with a strong finishing kick. The pacesetter is not expected to win but to tire out front-runners or establish a specific race dynamic.
Beyond formal racing, the concept applies in endurance events and work scenarios. In endurance riding, a rider might use a steady, reliable horse to set a manageable pace for a less experienced animal, helping to conserve energy over long distances. In historical or modern working contexts, a seasoned pack animal might lead a string of others, its steady pace ensuring the group moves efficiently and safely.
Training and Conditioning for Pacing Performance
Preparing a horse for a career in pacing involves specialized training focused on gait reinforcement and physical development. For Standardbreds, while the ability to pace is often innate, training is required to refine the gait and maintain it under the pressures of high-speed racing. Early training introduces the young horse to the harness and sulky, with an emphasis on developing balance and rhythm. Handlers work to ensure the horse defaults to the pace when asked for speed.
A set of straps called hopples or hobbles is often used in this process. These are plastic or leather loops that connect the forelimb and hindlimb on each side of the horse’s body, physically encouraging the legs to move in lateral pairs. While some horses, known as “free-legged” pacers, can race without them, most pacers use hopples to help maintain gait stability at speeds that can exceed 30 miles per hour. The length of the hopples is adjustable to provide support without restricting the horse’s natural stride.
The conditioning regimen for a pacer is rigorous, designed to build the stamina and muscle strength needed for explosive speed over a mile. This includes regular jogging and faster training miles to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance. Skilled trainers and drivers manage the horse’s physical and mental preparation, making decisions on shoeing, equipment adjustments, and race strategy to maximize the animal’s performance.