Yesterday we experienced harness racing for the first time. It was fascinating, with set races interspersed with junior events and pony club challenges. It was a real family afternoon out.

In case you don’t know …
The horses run at a specific gait (a trot or a pace). They pull a two wheeled cart, called a “sulky” where the “driver” sits.

A trotting horse moves its legs forward in diagonal pairs (ie right front and left hind striking the ground simultaneously), whereas a pacer moves its legs laterally (right front and right hind together).

Pace is a natural gait for many horses, also camels, elephants and giraffes.