Horse glossary
Pace
How fast you move at a gait.
In Spanish: Ritmo
What it means
Pace usually means how fast a horse is going within a gait, such as a slow, steady trot or a brisk, ground-covering trot. Riders try to keep a steady pace so the horse doesn't rush or slow down on its own. In some breeds, "pace" is also the name of a two-beat gait where both legs on the same side move together.
Why it matters
A consistent pace makes the horse easier to steer and helps it stay balanced, especially on turns and before poles or jumps. It also shows the horse is listening to the rider rather than deciding for itself.
Example
Keep a steady pace around the arena.
Try this
Pick markers around the arena and notice whether you reach each one in the same number of strides. If the horse speeds up, slow your own rhythm first before using the reins.
Common mistake
Pace and rhythm are easy to mix up. Rhythm is the regular beat of the footfalls, while pace is the speed; a horse can keep the same rhythm at a slower or faster pace.