In
America, over 30 million people are attracted to harness
racing.
 The
American standard bred is by far the fastest horse in harness,
and the most popular trotting/pacing breed.
Harness
racing is contested on two gaits, the trot and the pace.
Trotters move with a diagonal gait; the left front and
right rear legs move in unison, as to the right front and
left rear.
Pacers,
on the other hand, move the legs on one side of their body
in tandem: left front and rear, and right front and rear.
This action shows why pacers are often called "sidewheelers." Pacers
account for about 80% of the performers in harness racing,
and are aided in maintaining their gait by plastic loops
called hobbles, which keep their legs moving in synchronization.
Europe has more trotters, while USA has more pacers.
 Today,
harness racing is primarily centered in the Northeast and
Midwest United States. Virtually every major population
center in these areas boasts one or more major tracks.
Several smaller towns also host harness tracks. The sport
is also popular in Florida, California, and throughout
Canada.
Bet
on harness racing at RaceBook.com now! 
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