Narragansett Pacer
The Narragansett Pacer was the first horse breed developed in the United States during the 18th century from a mix of English and Spanish breeds, although the exact cross is unknown. It was closely associated with the state of Rhode Island, but it became extinct by the late 19th century. The Pacer was owned by many famous people of the day, including George Washington. The last known Pacer died around 1880. The Pacer was known as a sure-footed, dependable breed, although not flashy or always good-looking. Pacers were used for racing and general riding. They provided the foundation for several other American breeds, including the American Saddlebred, Standardbred, and Tennessee Walking Horse.
| Life Span | 25-30 years |
| Weight | 380-550 kg |
What to Know Before Buying a Narragansett Pacer
Finding a responsible Narragansett Pacer breeder requires more than browsing classified ads or responding to social media posts. The USDA requires any breeder who sells horses commercially — especially those selling online or through third-party dealers — to hold a federal license and submit to regular inspections. A legitimate breeder should be willing to provide their USDA license number, invite you to visit their facility, and show you where the animals are housed and socialized.
Before committing to a purchase, ask the breeder for veterinary health records, vaccination documentation, and any genetic testing results relevant to the Narragansett Pacer. Reputable breeders will also ask you questions in return — about your living situation, experience with animals, and ability to provide long-term care. A breeder who asks no questions and is eager to ship an animal immediately is a significant red flag.
Use the search tool below to check whether any USDA-licensed facilities breeding Narragansett Pacers appear in our database. If they do, review their inspection history carefully. Look for patterns of violations, pay attention to severity levels, and compare their compliance grade with other breeders in the same state. This due diligence takes minutes and can save you from supporting a facility with documented animal welfare problems.
Looking for a Narragansett Pacer breeder?
Search our database of USDA-licensed facilities to find inspected breeders and check their compliance history.
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