It probably goes without saying that harness races are an important part of horse racing events. In harness racing, horses pull two wheel carts known as sulkies. These races usually start behind a motorized gate and all horses are lined up behind this gate before the start of the race. Harness races are usually conducted in two gaits â?” pacing and trotting.

In the case of trotting, the legs of the horse move in diagonal pairs. This means that the left front and right hind legs move simultaneously, while the right front and left hind legs move simultaneously. In the situation of a pacer, the horse moves its legs in a lateral position. This means that it may move its left front and left hind together and then again right hand and right hind together. Both the gaits are popular all over the world. In continental Europe, racing takes place solely between trotters while in countries like Canada, UK, Australia and US harness racing takes place for pacers mainly.

If you compare both these races, pacers have more popularity as they are faster and considerably better than the trotters. They also have very little chances of breaking stride mainly because of their hobbles and straps, which keep the legs connected during the race.