Have you ever wondered how far a horse can travel in a day? Equine range is the distance a horse can travel without a break. This means the horse does not stop to rest, drink, or eat. Overall, a horse's range varies depending on his age, breed, conditioning, weather conditions, whether there is a rider and the terrain.
A typical horse of average age and conditioning can travel 20-30 miles per day. Older and less conditioned horses will travel slowly, closer to 15 miles per day. Finally, horses trained for endurance or special breeds, like Arabian horses, can travel 50 miles per day.
Terrain is the most significant factor in the distance a horse can travel. Different terrains may cause your horse to walk at a slower gait. Flat and even ground is much easier to travel on at high speeds. However, rocky or steep terrains will slow a horse down.
Wild Horses v. Domestic Horses
Wild horses are better conditioned and driven to travel long distances. They will travel great distances to different grazing and breeding grounds. In many cases, they will need to search for food and shelter. Wild horses are stronger and more conditioned for endurance with less food and more exercise. Herds of wild horses will travel up to 20 miles per day in search of food and water.
While some domesticated horses travel long distances, most do not. Hence, domesticated horses have lost some of their drive for food because it is always easily accessible, and they do not need to travel distances to eat. Almost everything they need is a short distance away. A notable exception is endurance horses, who are trained to cover longer distances. Endurance horses or long-haul trail horses are conditioned over long periods to cover distances.
The Importance of Fitness & Conditioning
Similar to a human, the more physically fit your horse is, the easier traveling distances will be. A healthy horse will have a higher average speed across all terrains and can travel further in a single day without a rider. If you wish to train your horse to walk longer distances, you will want to start with short distances and slowly increase over time. Building your horse's muscles and conditioning slowly will improve its overall health.
Interval training is an excellent form of training to build up your horse's endurance. Gradually increase the duration, intensity, slope, and terrain for your horse. Varying the terrain is a great way to increase cardiovascular stamina. You will also want to extend the time between breaks for rest and water. Interval training is a great way to increase your horse's stamina and cardiovascular health.
A good diet is essential for a physically fit horse. Providing your horse with a balanced diet full of proper nutrients will allow him to perform at his best. Many horses under normal work can eat a diet of hay/grass and some grain. Horses training for longer distances will need more nutritional support, including more calories, likely higher fat, and more protein.
Before starting any rigorous training, make sure to schedule a routine exam with your veterinarian to ensure your horse is healthy enough for this type of training. Additionally, yearly physicals from a veterinarian can help prevent any serious issues and injury.
Equine Gaits and Speeds
Natural gait
Horses can naturally move at four gaits: walk, trot, canter, and gallop. The average speed for a horse at a walk is 3 to 4 miles per hour. Horses can trot at about 10 miles per hour. A canter tops off at around 15 miles per hour. Finally, a gallop is a horse's maximum speed. Quarter horses are known to reach 35 miles per hour. However, many horses average closer to 20 miles per hour.
Ambling gait
An ambling gait is a special gait known to be smoother than a trot and that a horse can sustain over long distances. Ambling gaits are generally inherited and are common in breeds like American Saddlebreds, Icelandic Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Paso Finos, Tennessee Walkers, and Rocky Mountain Horses. This four-beat gait is faster than a walk, but slower than a canter.
The most common ambling gaits are:
- Rack
- Single-foot
- Running walk
Elements Impacting Travel Distance
Several elements impact a horse's overall travel distance. The average horse is affected by weather and terrain. Additionally, you must consider how many consecutive days your horse has walked long distances.
Breed & Age
Genetics, including breed, will have a major impact on a horse's stamina and endurance. Certain breeds, like Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, are known for speed, while others, such as Arabian horses, are known for endurance. Additionally, horses bred for speed and endurance will naturally have better results.
Like genetics, age is another huge factor in horse speed and stamina. Older horses will struggle and need more breaks in a day. Additionally, horses that are too young will need more physical strength for long distances.
Terrain
Traveling over flat, level ground is much easier for horses of all ages and abilities. Steep and uneven terrain will slow down most horses. Horses walking up steep inclines will need more breaks because of the difficulty and need to move more cautiously.
Weather
Weather can majorly impact your horse, whether it is hot or cold. In areas of hot climates, your horse will need more rest and water breaks. Frigid temperatures and associated precipitation, such as snow and freezing rain, will slow the pace.
Physical Fitness
Your horse's overall training and physical fitness are the factors you can impact the most. With proper conditioning, you can increase the average distance your horse can walk in an hour and a day. Always work with your veterinarian before beginning an exercise routine.
Feed and Water
Horses that eat and drink properly will perform better. Before a long trip, you should prepare your horse for several days ahead of time. Always provide your horses with water and serve them a proper, balanced diet. With good planning, you can set your horse up for success across any terrain.
