Horse breeds / Narragansett Pacer
Photo: Eadweard Muybridge, Waugsberg · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Narragansett Pacer
The Narragansett Pacer is an American breed that developed in colonial New England, especially in Rhode Island, in the 1600s and 1700s. It was bred for a smooth, ground-covering pace, which made long days in the saddle comfortable for colonists, travelers, and mail carriers over rough roads. Its foundation stock is generally traced to horses brought from England and Spain, shaped by local conditions into a hardy, practical saddle horse.
Narragansett Pacers are known for a calm, willing temperament and a gentle, even gait that suits relaxed trail riding. They are generally considered a good choice for first-time riders because they tend to be steady and easygoing, though they still need consistent handling and clear, patient training. Their smaller, sturdy build makes them comfortable for many adult riders who want a dependable everyday mount.
Day to day, they do best with regular exercise and turnout, along with the company of other horses. Without enough movement and social contact, they can become bored or restless. Their needs are modest, but they thrive on routine, good nutrition, and steady attention from their owners.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, heritage horse enthusiasts
| Size | small |
| Weight | 882–1102 lb |
| Height | 56–60 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | United States |
Expect a relaxed, dependable horse, but keep its weight in check, since easy keeping can quickly become a health problem.
Living with a Narragansett Pacer
Exercise
Most Narragansett Pacers do well with daily riding or in-hand work of about 30 to 60 minutes, plus regular turnout. Too little movement can lead to weight gain, stiffness, and boredom, so consistent daily activity is important.
Grooming
Their short to medium coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing and occasional bathing. The mane and tail usually need light detangling rather than heavy care. Hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule, and clipping is usually only needed for horses in heavy work or cold climates.
At home
Narragansett Pacers handle turnout well and are generally hardy in a range of climates, though they still need shelter from harsh weather and wind. They are happiest living with other horses, since herd contact supports their wellbeing. Most are fairly easy keepers, so pasture and a modest amount of hay often cover their needs, but body condition should be checked regularly, especially in spring.
Training
Narragansett Pacers learn best through patient, consistent work and calm, clear cues. They are well suited to trail riding, pleasure riding, and light western or dressage-style work. A green horse of this breed will usually be willing and steady, but it may need time to build strength and confidence before taking on more demanding tasks.
Health
Narragansett Pacers are not as widely studied as many modern breeds, so their specific health profile is less well documented. As with any horse, owners should watch for conditions such as laminitis, especially with rich pasture, and should ask a veterinarian for guidance on breed-specific concerns and routine preventi
- Laminitis
- Colic
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Narragansett Pacer
Forage and water, adult
15–25 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1102 lb, and 9–16 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,950–$5,050
Hay about $1,752, 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 Narragansett 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 Narragansett Pacer
Shelters and breed rescues list Narragansett Pacers and Narragansett Pacer mixes every week. Search adoptable Narragansett Pacers on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Narragansett Pacer right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, steady trail horse
- Yes if you enjoy smooth, relaxed riding
- Yes if you value heritage breeds with history
- Think twice if you need a fast, high-performance competitor
- Think twice if you want a horse with a very forward, reactive style
Questions owners ask
Is the Narragansett Pacer good for beginners?
Yes, its calm, steady temperament makes it a good fit for many first-time riders, though all horses still need consistent, knowledgeable handling and training.
How tall is a Narragansett Pacer?
Typically around 14 to 15 hands, or roughly 142 to 152 centimeters at the withers, though individual horses can vary somewhat.
How long do Narragansett Pacers live?
With good care, they often live into their mid-twenties to around thirty years, depending on health, diet, and overall management.
What were Narragansett Pacers used for?
They were historically used for riding, travel, and light work in colonial New England, prized for their smooth, comfortable pace over long distances.
Are Narragansett Pacers easy keepers?
Many are easy keepers, so owners should monitor weight carefully and limit rich pasture and feed to help prevent obesity and related 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.