My Icelandic horse paces in canter, how do I fix it?

I ride a five-gaited Icelandic horse. He is very prone to pacing and I'm wondering how I can avoid it. I've tried riding on a small circle and a centre circle but it hasn't given better results. My biggest problem is in the canter. What happens is that he loses his balance on the circle, then I tense up, and that's when he starts to pace.

Answers from HayHay's experts

Curved lines and lateral work such as leg-yields, or for example half-pass, can be a real help. The tricky thing with pacy horses is that they often hold the body straight and do not bend through the body, even when you ride onto a curved line. Be careful to get the horse into correct bend on the circle. Best of all is to bring in a trainer who can support you in person. Good luck! 🌸

Elise Lindman

Sports Psychologist