Horses are designed to run. In fact, their legs are built for power. Horse legs are long and slender but very muscular. The upper leg, containing the femur bone, can generate significant power for a horse to run at high speeds.
A horse's gait is how his legs move for a walk, trot, canter, or gallop. The gallop is the fastest gait a horse can move in. It is a four-beat gait in which the horse lands on each foot independently with a small amount of suspension in the air between beats.
Factors That Impact Horse Speed
Certain breeds have a natural tendency to be fast. Their genetics, size, and dispositions can all lead to horses that can run the fastest speed and for the longest distances.
Age
One of the most obvious factors affecting a horse's speed is his age. Generally speaking, younger horses are faster than older horses. Many other factors come into play, such as training, breed, and overall health. Horses can easily live well over 30 years. Aside from injuries and illnesses, horses can run for most of their lives.
Most racehorses are under five years old. Quarter horses usually reach their top condition and speed around two years old. Thoroughbred horses take a little longer to reach top performance, closer to four years old.
Health and Condition
Horses in healthy condition are naturally faster. Illness and injury can both affect your horse’s top running speed. Nutrition, exercise program, and overall health will all affect your horse’s speed. Ensure your horse is well fed and receives enough water for the environment and his activity level.
Training
Training is, without a doubt, the most significant factor affecting equine speed. Not only do you need to condition your horse for the strain of running, but you can also improve gait and stride. Proper training will strengthen the muscles of your horse. Not only will your horse run faster, but more efficiently, too.
How to Measure Horse Speed
Horses move fast, but we cannot simply attach a speedometer to determine how fast they run. A radar gun is one of the most common ways to track your horse's speed. Radar guns measure the speed of moving objects with radio waves. If you can find one, it is an excellent and efficient way to calculate your horse's speed.
Without a radar gun, you will need a measured distance for your horse to run and some timing device. A stopwatch can give you a crude measurement. You will just need to adjust the time and speed to miles per hour to get a good comparison.
How fast can a horse run in mph?
A horse’s speed is measured using mph as the unit. That being said, the average horse runs close to 20-30 mph. The fastest horses can reach speeds of 45 mph.
Is the Thoroughbred the fastest horse?
Certain breeds are specifically bred for muscle tone, running speed, and overall health. Below, we highlight the three fastest equine breeds. While many think the Thoroughbred is the fastest horse, many factors must be considered.
Thoroughbreds are the most well-known racehorses in the United States. They are bred almost exclusively for racing. Overall, Thoroughbreds have long bodies with powerful muscles through the legs. This body structure allows them to have endurance along with high speeds. Thoroughbreds can reach a speed of 45 mph.
Bred specifically for competition, Quarter Horses are built for acceleration. They have shorter, more muscular bodies than Thoroughbreds and excel at rodeo events where quick turning and accelerating are necessary. A Quarter Horse can reach a speed of 50 mph.
What is the fastest horse in the world?
Average horse speed
The average horse can run 30 mph. However, the average speed for different breeds and ages can vary significantly.
Fastest horse speed
The fastest recorded speed for a horse in a race is just under 44 mph. This was achieved by Winning Brew, a Thoroughbred at the Penn National Race Course in 2008. He ran the quarter mile in 20 seconds. For longer distances, the speed goes down. Secretariat set the record for a one-mile race at 37.5 mph.
Training Tips for Increasing Horse Speed
There are several training tips that you can use to help your horse increase its overall fastest speed. Trainers who condition their horses for horse racing use many of these tips.
Interval and hill training will help your horse increase his muscle tone and stamina. Additionally, you will see his cardiovascular system improve from the high-intensity workout. Plyometric exercises, which include jumping, are a great choice for horses who are old enough and conditioned enough for explosive exercises.
Finally, a proper diet is the key to your horse's success. Ensure you feed him a fully balanced meal with all the nutrition he needs.
How Fast Can a Horse Run with a Rider?
The weight of the rider and gear may seem insignificant compared to a horse's. However, the effects of a rider on a horse are complicated. Of course, the training the horse has received with and without a rider will make a large difference. A horse can easily carry a rider 20% of his own weight.
The Speed of a Horse with a Rider
A rider does not change the average speed of all horses. The average speed of a horse with a rider is still 30 mph. As stated above, this number changes for different breeds and ages. A draft horse can only run 20 mph with a rider.
A horse's top speed can be terrifying for a rider. Untrained riders should never run a horse at a gallop or push him to speed up. Not only is top speed dangerous for riders, it is also dangerous for the horse.
