Even people who are very far from horse breeding know that a horse can run in different ways. Each type of running of this animal is called a gait. There are three main types of gaits - walk, trot and gallop.
However, there is a fourth gait, which is a special type of trot. It's called ambling.
The name itself conceals its difference from ordinary running - differently, not like everyone else. Not all horses can run like this, so this gait is worthy of a separate story. Horse pacers have always been valued for their unusual and very beautiful running style. They will be discussed in our article.
Features of the amble
The normal movement of a horse at a walk and a regular trot is that while running it sequentially moves its legs diagonally - first the right hind and left front, then the left hind and right front, etc.
Ambling is an “incorrect” movement in which the horse moves its legs not diagonally, but one-sidedly: first the right hind and right front, then the left hind and left front. At the same time, while running at an amble, the horse sways from side to side.
Ambling can be natural, congenital, but more often it is developed artificially. Natural ambling does not tire the horse, while artificial ambling responds by accelerating the breaking of the horse’s legs.
Horse amble sequence
Giraffes also amble, due to their long legs. When trotting, the giraffe's front and hind legs would collide with each other. Ambling is also characteristic of camels and elephants, as well as some antelopes (saiga antelopes, wildebeests).
Pacers are very valuable when riding, because the ambling movement is quite fast and pleasant for the rider: the horse shifts from one foot to the other and does not shake at all.
It is especially convenient to move on horseback on a pacer over long distances on flat surfaces - in the steppe or prairie. Under saddle, pacers walk 10 km per hour, up to 120 km per day.
However, the pacer is not very maneuverable - he can only run in a straight line and it is difficult for him to make turns and turns.
In addition, ambling, even innate, is very unstable: if a pacer stumbles, he can easily fall or break into a trot or gallop. A pacer harnessed to a carriage can drag a very small load and quickly gets tired. Pacers have little ability to change gait.
Ambling a camel
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages are::
- The rider, who is in the saddle , does not feel shaking at all, but only a slight swaying from side to side. Moving in this way for many hours, a person does not feel tired at all, unlike the classic trot.
- The gait does not require the horse to mobilize all body systems , which means that it does not get so tired and is able to stay in motion for a long time, moving over significant distances.
- Ambling can not only increase the endurance of animals, but also significantly increases their agility. A young pacer is 1.5 times faster than its peers, who have a different gait.
There are also disadvantages:
- This method of movement is convenient only on a flat, smooth surface. On slopes, a horse can lose its balance and fall.
- The gait is accompanied by a loss of maneuverability - the animal cannot quickly and sharply change the trajectory of movement.
Change according to cases
"Amble" is a third declension noun, feminine, inanimate. It is modified according to cases as follows:
- nominative case - amble (singular), amble (plural);
- genitive case - ambling (singular), ambling (plural);
- dative case - ambling (singular), ambling (plural);
- accusative case - amble (singular), amble (plural);
- instrumental case - ambling (singular), ambling (plural);
- prepositional case - ambling (singular), ambling (plural).
Origin story
The pacers owe their origins to the Americans. It was they who were the first to notice that this method of movement, the gait, is much faster than all others. By crossing horses with innate ambling, it was possible to develop a Standardbred breed of trotters.
A horse with innate ambling abilities was obtained only towards the end of the 19th century.
The basis was taken from purebred breeds: English and Norkfolk, and a stallion with the unusual nickname Messenger made a huge contribution to this.
As for Russia, at the end of the last century there was a popular stallion, the pacer Burn, but his pace was artificially created.
In the 20th century, when it finally became clear that ambling is the fastest way for a horse to move, a division took place into racers and pacers. Since then, animals with different speed characteristics no longer competed with each other.
The history of the appearance of a separate breed of these unusual horses
As a separate breed, pacers were bred in the United States of America. Breeding work ended at the end of the nineteenth century. The ancestors of the American Standardbreds were the English thoroughbred racehorse and the Norfolk trotter. In addition, the blood of American trotters (obtained from Arabian horses) and Dutch trotting horses also flows in the veins of these horses.
The ancestor of this breed is considered to be a purebred American stallion named Messenger.
His innate ambling was firmly passed on to his numerous offspring, and, as we said above, an ambling from birth is much more valuable than a retrained one.
In addition to this wonderful stallion, a breeding horse of the Anglo-Arab breed named Morgan made a great contribution to the creation of the American pacer breed.
It was with his help that this trotting gait became established among the resulting offspring.
Remembering the history of the appearance of standardbreds, one cannot fail to mention Bellevounder, a purebred Norfolk trotter.
It was the daughter of this stallion and the grandson of Messenger who became the parents of the legendary dark-rotten horse named Hambletonian Tenth, from whom more than one thousand three hundred foals were born, which later became the basis of the breeding herd of this breed variety. The descendants of this prolific stallion still take an active part in various equestrian competitions.
More on the topic: Features of caring for horses in winter
Pacers from countries around the world
American Trotter
Pacers are often found among steppe and mountain riding horses in the Crimea, the Caucasus, Tien Shan, as well as Persian horses.
The most famous pacers are representatives of the American standardbred breed (from the English Standardbred - bred according to the standard), or American trotters.
This breed was created through constant systematic testing at racing racetracks, as well as using a breed of pacers that were distinguished by great speed. The horses had to trot and amble over a distance of 1 mile (1609 m).
Horses that were able to trot and/or amble this distance in 3 minutes or faster met the basic “standard” for the breed being created and were sent to stud farms by producers.
Gradually, the pacers' records grew. At the beginning of the 20th century, the world record for pacers at a distance of 1 mile was set by the famous Dan Patch - 1 minute 55 seconds. For comparison, the world record for trotters of the same breed and at the same distance belonged to the gelding Ulan - 1 minute 58 seconds.
Dan Patch still ran at a free pace, but soon the Americans began to use special belts that tighten the horse’s legs in pairs - two right and two left.
As a result, the horse can no longer move in any way except amble. Thanks to this device, pacers stopped galloping and trotting while racing, and controlling them became much easier.
Despite the fact that, shackled with these belts, horses began to fall more often, which were dangerous primarily for the riders, the Americans did not abandon the belts, and all pacers still run on hippodromes wearing such belts.
It is worth noting that standardbred horses are tested at both trot and amble during the same racing season.
Without belts, horses compete at a trot, while wearing belts, they compete at an amble. A horse that is more capable of ambling shows worse results at the trot and vice versa.
Currently, the world record for pacers belongs to the stallion Kambest - 1 minute 46.2 seconds, or about 55 km/h.
Thus, the best modern pacers reach a speed almost equal to that of galloping riding horses.
Pacer races can be seen in the USA, Canada, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, pacer racing is prohibited by the rules of the European Equestrian Federation.
In the USSR there were a small number of pacers who were tested in the same race with trotters and without special straps on their legs. Ambling by a trotter in a prize race was considered a vice. In the 1990s, when Russia applied to join the European Federation, pacers were completely abandoned.
In Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, pacers are highly valued. Pacer races (Kyrgyzstan: Zhorgo Salysh; Kazakh: Zhorga Zharys) are included in the program of equestrian competitions. In Yakutia, the pacer - dioruo was also very highly valued and could only be owned by wealthy people from the Toyonat.
Genetic research
Ambling is associated with a mutation in the DMRT3 gene (DMRT3_Ser301STOP - causing premature stop at codon 301). This mutation is called “gait keeper” (“gait keeper” or “gait guard”).
Horses capable of ambling first became widespread in Iceland and England in 850-900, and were later spread by people to Europe, and further throughout Eurasia, the New World and southern Africa.
In the absence of quality roads, ambling greatly reduced the rider's fatigue; he bounced less in the saddle, which was important for long-distance travel.
Artificial removal of pacers
In addition to innate pacers, many breeds with such an interesting and atypical pace were bred artificially. The study showed that targeted selection for the creation and spread of pacers was carried out in the following breeds of horses:
- thoroughbred American racehorses;
- elegant campolina;
- large Icelandic ponies;
- ancient Indian Marwari horses;
- Cretan Messara breed;
- Brazilian spotted pampa;
- Peruvian mountain horse;
- horses of the rocky mountains.
The largest composition of pacers is recorded in the Southern and Northern parts of the present states. Spanish horses can boast of fewer pacers. Feral Mustangs also boast several pacers. But in general, for wild living conditions and attacks from predators, ambling is a vulnerable place for wild horses.
Speaking about the genetic predisposition of horses to amble, this fact was scientifically recorded in 2012. In laboratory conditions, white mice and Icelandic ponies were studied, in which the DTRT3 gene was found, demonstrating the innervation of the animals' spine. This was the reason for the congenital ambling of some horse breeds.
Breed overview
Horses with such unique running characteristics cannot be found in every breed. But individual individuals, as exceptions to the rules, can be born anywhere in the world.
Nevertheless, there are certain breeds with a predominance of pacer horses. This is primarily due to selective selection.
All known pacers in the world are divided into several large groups depending on their habitat on the globe.
North American Pacers
In this group, unique animals predominate in such breeds.
American Trotters
The breed, bred in the 19th century, is famous for its racing horses. These are short, sled-type individuals with strong legs and an elongated body.
They are distinguished by their unsurpassed ability to perform fast gaits - they are the fastest horses in the world. They are mainly used in equestrian sports.
American Horse
Originally bred exclusively for riding, the animals are today actively used for horse riding and harnessing. In addition, they can be found in various show rings.
Elegant horses are distinguished by their calm nature and comfortable travel conditions. Features: wide-set hind legs and high tail. By these external signs you can easily identify an “American”.
South American pacers
The horses of these places are famous for their special running ability, which is naturally developed in them.
The following varieties are particularly distinguished.
Campolina
Tall animals are bay, savras or piebald with short legs. This is the national breed of Brazilian pacers, which is not only used on farms and for horse riding, but not a single exhibition, championship or competition is complete without its participation.
Peruvian Peso
The country's national pride. The breed is characterized by a special type of ambling - termino, which is characterized by arched swings with the front legs and long straight steps with the hind legs.
The pride of horses is their thick mane and equally chic tail, a surprisingly proportionate physique against the background of their short stature. The peculiarity of the breed is its strong hooves that do not need horseshoes.
Pacers of Europe
This group is represented by a single, but very unusual breed: These are Icelandic horses, which are under state protection. The calm disposition of animals allows them to be widely used for the development of children's equestrian sports and hippotherapy.
Horses have a shaggy mane and a long tail, as well as excellent memory, perfectly navigating the terrain.
They are well adapted to herd keeping, extremely hardy and adapted to harsh climates. Icelandic pacers are versatile - they can be found in agricultural work and hunting, in competitions and horse races.
A unique feature of the breed is its movement at a light gait, called “tjolt”. Its peculiarity: the hind legs go far behind the tracks of the front ones when running.
Pacers of Asia
Animals with the ability to move unusually are no less popular among Easterners than in other parts of the world.
Uzbek, Kazakh, Kyrgyz
Breeds of local selection are excellent at ambling. Steppe hardy horses are universal: they are working horses, pack animals, and those that are very comfortable in the saddle. In addition, national holidays and horse races are not complete without them.
Marwari
Indian pacers adapted for life in the desert. Animals of this breed are graceful and well-built, able to return home on their own, even if they are far away, but at the same time have excellent navigation of the area.
Marwari horses are used in numerous festivals and celebrations.
A distinctive feature of the breed is its ears, which are curved back and touch each other at the tips.
In addition, Marwaris have the most acute hearing of all known horse breeds.
Gypsy horses
They stand apart. This is a unique and most expensive breed, which is famous for its soft gait. They are also known as the most amazing horses on the planet. Their homeland is Ireland, they are very hardy and accustomed to nomadic life.
The animals amaze with their beauty and unusualness: massive torsos, shaggy legs with fringe in the hooves and a chic mane with bangs evoke respect from both amateurs and professionals.
All individuals of the breed are distinguished by a calm character, are not capable of showing aggression when communicating with people, and are well trained. The color of horses is usually piebald - brown with a predominance of white spots. The breed is characterized by short stature.
Purebred gypsy horses need a proper diet and good care - this is the only way they can maintain health and an unparalleled appearance.
Advantages of the breed, which is very popular:
- exclusivity, where each animal is a rare specimen that the owner can be proud of;
- inimitable appearance - so elegant that it resembles an oversized soft children's toy;
- the gait is so soft that the horse’s movement is practically not felt when in the saddle;
- ideal for learning to ride due to their calmness and equanimity;
- unpretentious.
The disadvantages include:
- high price - the horse is at the peak of popularity, and is also exclusive;
- not suitable for racing.
Breeds with a congenital ambling gait
There were many pacers in the world, but the breeds of horses that naturally have this type of gait can be counted on one hand. Today there are four breeds of horses with an innate appearance of this gait:
- American Standardbred - they are considered a classic amble. This breed was developed in the 19th century; at first these horses were called trotters, until the new offspring began to demonstrate unusual gait abilities. After this, the trotters were renamed standardbred horses, which were distinguished by their running agility.
- Cuban pacers are horses with a long graceful neck and pronounced eyes, most often either gray or bay. Today, these horses take an active part and demonstrate excellent results in eventing and racing. Cubans widely use such pacers in agriculture.
- Kazakh pacers are horses with an ancient history of origin. These horses were widely used during the era of the Golden Horde, and were even part of it. Horses were an indispensable means of transportation during campaigns. Animals were used in packs to transport goods; no less often they were harnessed to a team. Having saddled a Kazakh pacer, the rider could ride hundreds of kilometers; in addition, the horses provided the people with valuable meat and the national drink kumiss.
- Kyrgyz Pacers are a pack-type breed bred in mountainous conditions. The small size of the horse distinguishes it from other breeds; short limbs and strong hooves allow the animal to easily cope with mountainous terrain. These animals are hardy and do not require special care. Throughout the year, they can comfortably feed themselves on their own, eating only pasture. A pacer at the races demonstrates such indicators as a mile in 1 minute 36 seconds.
Regardless of the breed, in many parts of the world pacers are recognized as one of the most beautiful horses, famous for the nobility and uniqueness of their stride.
How to retrain a horse to amble?
This technique was invented by American horse breeders and trainers. In order to retrain animals that do not amble at birth, preferring standard gaits, special belts were invented to secure the horse’s limbs.
With these belt devices, the animal’s limbs were pulled together in pairs on each side (the right front leg - with the right hind leg and in the same way - with the left side).
This helped riders and jockeys train their horses not to fall into a standard trot or other gait while running, which increased the speed of the horses over the distance.
At sports competitions, retrained pacers still run in these belts.
This method is sharply criticized, since many experts and animal advocates believe that it is not humane to the animal and more often leads to various types of injuries.
In addition, it has been noticed that riders when racing on overtrained pacers are more likely to fall from the saddle. However, despite numerous protests, the United States is not going to abandon this device.
Curious facts
Unique horses have amazing abilities and never cease to amaze connoisseurs of the breed.
- In the vastness of Kazakhstan, pacers feel at ease. Local residents' favorites often graze unattended at any time of the year. In winter, with the help of their hooves, horses rake away snowdrifts and obtain food. The Kazakhs call this snow “hunt” Tebenevka. Local pacers have enviable frost resistance; they can easily withstand temperatures dropping to 45 degrees.
- In India, there are horse pacers called Marwaris. The horses are unusually beautiful and graceful. A distinctive feature of the breed is the unique structure of the ears. The Marwari's hearing is tens of times more developed than that of other representatives of the horse kingdom. The animals are unpretentious; they are simply created for life in difficult desert conditions. Most of the time, horses graze on their own. They are perfectly oriented in any area and always return home to their owners.
Equestrian enthusiasts claim that the way a horse runs depends on the weight of the horseshoes. If the front horseshoes of the horse turn out to be significantly lighter than the rear ones, the horse will immediately turn into a pacer.
