What’s the difference between a pace and trotter race for harness racing?

In harness racing, there are two main types of races: pace races and trotter races. Here are the key differences between the two:

• Gait: The main difference between pace and trotter races is the gait that the horses use. In a pace race, the horses move their legs in unison on each side of their body, while in a trotter race, the horses move their legs diagonally.
• Speed: Pace races tend to be faster than trotter races because horses can reach higher speeds when they are pacing.
• Equipment: Horses in pace races are usually fitted with hobbles, which are straps that connect the front legs and the back legs on each side of the body. This helps the horses maintain their pacing gait. Horses in trotter races do not use hobbles.
• Strategy: Because pace races are typically faster, the strategy in these races is often to get out to the front of the pack early and maintain a fast pace. In trotter races, the strategy is often to conserve energy early on and make a move in the later stages of the race.
• Tracks: Pace races are usually run on tracks with a harder surface, such as asphalt or clay, while trotter races are usually run on tracks with a more forgiving surface, such as limestone.

Overall, while both pace and trotter races are types of harness racing, they have different gait, speed, equipment, strategy, and track requirements. Harness racing fans often prefer one type of race over the other, but both offer exciting and competitive action on the track.