The Lone Pacer

This photo postcard 

shows Jack Clark’s 8 yr old son with

“Midget-The

Lone Pacer”

circa

1922

 She was billed as “ Midget the  Lone Pacer” on the Fair bill and she a was Standardbred Pacer. She was an attraction at local Fairs in the  1920’s. Midget would come out  onto the race track, with her trainer, wearing a white harness and she would pace completely around the race track alone. She wasn’t harnessed to a racing sulky and no one drove her around the track,  she went all alone. Midget would pace around the track one time and return to the spot where her training was standing .
 She was called Midget due to her small size. It is said she fit into a Market Basket when she was a foal. Her trainer, Jack Clark, raced and trained Standardbred Harness horses. He trained her to pace around the track alone and Midget loved to do it.
 Midget also enjoyed being ridden bareback by the children in the family. She had wonderful temperament, allowing several of them climb up on her back. She didn’t mind if they walked underneath her while she was being bathed. Midget also didn’t mind if, once in  a while, the kids would race her against another horse.
 The little mare was a bit of an escape artist as well, but everyone always knew where to look for her when she got out. They would find her at the  local Fairgrounds in town pacing around the track, of course.
 Midget is still fondly remembered and missed today by all her knew her. The little mare left her hoofprint on the hearts of many.
  This memory of Midget isn’t exactly mine, it was told to me by my Mom and also by my Aunts.  Jack Clark was my Grandpa and he trained Midget The Lone Pacer. My Grandpa passed away long before I was born so I never had chance to meet him or find out how he trained Midget to pace around the track alone.

Editor's note:
My uncle seen in the photograph here passed away since that was original published 2004. My Aunts who shared those memories with me are all gone as well.  I cherish that photo and those memories even more now. My Mom is still here and she still shares those great horse memories.