Horse breeds / Canadian Pacer
Photo: Rick Harris from Toronto, Ontario, Canada · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Canadian Pacer
The Canadian horse, also called the Canadian Pacer, descends from horses brought to New France in the 1600s and was shaped by isolation in Quebec for generations. It was bred as a versatile farm and driving horse, able to pull, plow, and carry a rider over rough country in harsh winters.
These horses are known for being sturdy, sensible, and willing, with a compact, muscular build and a natural ability to pace, a smooth lateral gait that makes long rides comfortable. Many owners find them calm and forgiving, which suits beginners and trail riders well. They tend to be people-oriented and steady rather than flashy.
Day to day, a Canadian needs regular work to stay fit and content, along with turnout and the company of other horses. Their thick winter coat and hardy constitution mean they handle cold well, but they still need routine hoof care, dental attention, and a consistent daily routine to thrive.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, drivers
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 57–61 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | Canada |
Plan on careful feeding and daily exercise, since these easy keepers can gain weight quickly with too little work.
Living with a Canadian Pacer
Exercise
A healthy adult Canadian usually needs about an hour of ridden or in-hand work most days, plus turnout to move freely. With too little exercise they can gain weight, become bored, and develop stiffness or behavioral issues.
Grooming
Their dense winter coat sheds heavily in spring, so regular curry and brushing help. Manes and tails are typically thick and can be left natural or trimmed lightly. Keep hooves trimmed or shod on schedule, and clip only if the horse works hard in winter.
At home
Canadians are hardy and adapt well to turnout year-round with a shelter that breaks the wind. They generally do well in a herd, which supports their social nature. Most are easy keepers, so good hay and a measured amount of grain or balancer are usually enough. Watch body condition closely, since some lines gain weight easily.
Training
Canadians learn quickly and are eager to please, responding well to patient, consistent handling. They excel at trail riding, driving, and light western or dressage work, and their natural gaits make them comfortable mounts. A green Canadian is usually calm and willing, though they may need time to build strength and balance before taking on demanding tasks.
Health
Breed-specific conditions are not widely documented, but Canadians can be prone to the metabolic and hoof problems common to easy keepers, such as laminitis. Ask your veterinarian about weight management, diet, and any inherited conditions in the horse's pedigree.
- Laminitis
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Canadian Pacer
Forage and water, adult
17–28 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 992–1213 lb, and 10–18 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,150–$5,350
Hay about $1,971, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Canadian Pacer is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Canadian Pacer
Shelters and breed rescues list Canadian Pacers and Canadian Pacer mixes every week. Search adoptable Canadian Pacers on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Canadian Pacer right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, dependable horse for trail riding
- Yes if you prefer a smooth, comfortable gait over speed
- Yes if you can manage feed carefully for an easy keeper
- Think twice if you need a fast, high-powered competition horse
- Think twice if you have little time for daily exercise
Questions owners ask
Is the Canadian horse good for beginners?
Yes. Canadians are calm, sensible, and forgiving, which makes them a good fit for many first-time owners and riders who want a steady, friendly horse.
How much does a Canadian horse cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training, and bloodline. Purchase price is only part of the cost, so budget for feed, farrier, veterinary care, and tack as well.
How tall is a Canadian horse?
Most adult Canadians stand roughly 14.2 to 15.2 hands, or about 145 to 155 centimetres at the withers.
How long do Canadian horses live?
With good care, Canadians commonly live into their mid to late twenties, and some live longer.
Are Canadian horses easy keepers?
Generally yes. They thrive on good forage and limited concentrates, so monitor weight carefully to avoid obesity and related health problems.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.