Pace (ice: Skeið) is one of the most impressive and fastest gaits of the Icelandic horse, and when performed at its best it is so fast that it has earned the nickname “flying pace.”

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In pace, the horse moves both legs on the same side at the same time, and between the strides it briefly lifts completely off the ground. This moment of suspension, combined with high speed, creates the sensation that the horse is almost flying forward.

 

Flying pace can reach 40–50 km/h, and the very best pace horses can go even faster in short bursts. The gait requires exceptional balance, strength, and precise body control, and only a portion of Icelandic horses naturally have the ability to pace well.

In competitions, flying pace is one of the highlights: the speed, power, and suspension make it a true spectacle.

 

It is one of the gaits that shows just how unique the Icelandic horse is — fast, agile, and bursting with energy.