They are breaking down everything from the average speed of a racehorse and the speeds of different horse breeds. We’ll also explore various methods trainers can use to make their racehorses faster.<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"Racehorses\"](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Racehorses.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHow Fast Do Racehorses Run? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before we get into answering how fast are racehorses, let’s break down the movements of a horse. A horse has four different movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Walk<\/strong>: Horses walk at a four-beat rhythm and step at 6.5 ft per second (2 meters per second).<\/li>
- Trot<\/strong>: A horse trot is a two-beat rhythm that is a light jog for a horse. The average trot of a horse is around 32 ft per second (10 meters per second).<\/li>
- Canter<\/strong>: A canter is a fast jog with a three-beat gait.<\/li>
- Gallop<\/strong>: The gallop is the fastest movement of the horse that is their run. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The average horse speed of a pure-bred racehorse can be anywhere from 40 to 50mph (64.37 to 80.46km\/h)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Fastest Racehorses Ever Recorded <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some of the fastest quarter horses in practice are 55mph (88.5km\/h). The fastest horse ever recorded in a race was a two-year-old thoroughbred named Winning Brew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2008, Winning Brew reached a speed of 43.97mph (70.76km\/h). She achieved this speed on a two-furlong track that was 1,318.9 feet (402 meters)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Winning Brew stills holds the record for the world’s fastest racehorse 14 years later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Racehorse Breed is the Fastest? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The question of what horse is the fastest depends on the breed of the horse. Specific types of horses bred for racing are faster than your average ranch horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American Quarter Horse <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American Quarter Horses are one of the most popular breeds of horses. It is the very first breed of horse native to North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These horses have compact, muscular bodies, averaging 1,200lbs (544kg). Their lightweight and muscular frames genetically give them quick reflexes, making them perfect for sprinting or various rodeo events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They run at an average of 44mph (70.8km), so they’re often present in short-track races. American Quarter Horses only race against each other in these races, with speeds ranging from 220 to 870 yards (201 to 795.5 meters).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andalusians<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Andalusians are Spanish breed horses from the Iberian Peninsula<\/a>. They are known for their muscular build, elegant look, and extreme intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During WW1, they were one of the main breeds that soldiers rode during battles. An Andalusian’s quick maneuverability made them excellent choices to run from enemy fire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andalusians aren’t the fastest horse breed, but they can move when needed. Since they are more known for movement than speed, Andalusians are used more for equestrian events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Appaloosa <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Appaloosa is a beautiful North American horse known for its distinctive spot patterns. They are the quintessential western riding horses famously ridden by cowboys and Native Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are known for being mainstays of rodeo events due to their quick movements and lightweight. A typical Appaloosa weighs between 900 to 1,250lbs (430 to 570kg).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Modern-day Appaloosas are a mix of Arabian and American Quarter Horse breeds. This infusion of these two breeds with Appaloosa horses made them genetically better for sprinting and halter competitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Arabian Horse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Arabians are among the most noticeable breeds used for various racing types. This breed has 4,500 years of history and is known for being the property of different members of Arabian royalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They have a slender build and small breed of horse weight between 800 to 1,000lbs (362.8 to 453.5kg). Even though Arabians are smaller, they are strong and built for endurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For centuries, they’ve been dominating endurance racing events. Arabians are also one of the more friendly breeds and a good beginner horse for new riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friesian<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Friesan breed<\/a> of horses hails from the Netherlands with centuries of history in Europe. Most notably, being the horse of choice for knights to ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mainly due to them being on the larger side and could carry heavy armor that the knights would wear. They aren’t used for strict racing events since they’re heavier and only run between 25 to 30mph (40 to 48.5km\/h ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although they’re fairly fast and can carry large weight, they are popular in cart racing events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thoroughbreds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When you think of what a racing horse is, the type of horse you think of is a Thoroughbred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They reach speeds between 35 to 44mph (56.5 to 71km\/h ). Some of the fastest Thoroughbreds can hit over 50mph (80km\/h ) in practice runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whenever you watch a known horse racing event, the majority of the horses racing are Thoroughbreds.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Race](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Race-track.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHorse Speed Chart <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The speed of a horse also depends on its breed. Here is a chart listing the average horse speed of various breeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Appaloosa<\/strong><\/td> 30 to 40mph (48.5 to 64.5kmh)<\/td><\/tr> Arabian Horse<\/strong><\/td> 34 to 40mph (55 to 64.5km\/h )<\/td><\/tr> Belgian Horse <\/strong><\/td> 25mph (40km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Black Forest<\/strong><\/td> 14mph (22.5km\/h )<\/td><\/tr> Clydesdale<\/strong><\/td> 20mph (32km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Friesian <\/strong><\/td> 25 to 30mph (40 to 48.5km\/h )<\/td><\/tr> Gypsy Horse <\/strong><\/td> 22mph (35.5km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Morgan Horse <\/strong><\/td> 20mph (32km\/h )<\/td><\/tr> Mustang<\/strong><\/td> 35 to 50mph (56.5 to 80.5km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Orlov Trotter <\/strong><\/td> 45mph (75.5km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Paint Horse <\/strong><\/td> 40mph (64.5km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Selle Francais <\/strong><\/td> 15mph (24km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Shire Horse<\/strong><\/td> 30 to 35mph (48.5 to 56.5km\/h )<\/td><\/tr> Standardbred<\/strong><\/td> 30 to 35mph (48.5 to 56.5km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Tennessee Walking Horse<\/strong><\/td> 10 to 20mph (16 to 32 km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Thoroughbred<\/strong><\/td> 35 to 44mph (56.5 to 71km\/h)<\/td><\/tr> Wild Horse<\/strong><\/td> 30 to 44mph (48.5 to 71km\/h)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Factors that Determine a Racehorse’s Speed? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Different factors will determine the speed of a racehorse. Mainly four that will most likely decide their average speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Breed<\/li>
- Body Build<\/li>
- Length of Stride<\/li>
- Stride Rate<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Breed <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The biggest factor that will decide the speed of a racehorse is its breed. Some breeds are runners, while others carry large loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, Thoroughbreds are a specific breed of horse built for racing. When put through proper training, they can easily run at an average of 40mph (64 km\/h).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can train a large horse like a Clydesdale<\/a>, but they will never reach a racehorse’s speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Body Build <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Body build is another factor that will play into the average speed of a racehorse. The racehorses that run the fastest speeds all have the same types of builds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A slightly above average height, lightweight, yet structurally complete with lean muscle. Not overly muscular, but proportional muscle structure built for racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses with a taller and thicker build will never run as fast as their smaller and leaner counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Length of Stride <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Its length of stride will also play a part in the speed of a horse. A length of stride, if you don’t know, is the gap between each step they take during runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses with a longer stride or leap during their runs are generally the fastest of their group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stride Rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Not only is the length of stride important but the stride rate of a horse. It’s good to have a long stride, but a racehorse must have a consistently long one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Trot<\/strong>: A horse trot is a two-beat rhythm that is a light jog for a horse. The average trot of a horse is around 32 ft per second (10 meters per second).<\/li>
![\"Brown](\"https:\/\/thehorsesguide.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Brown-Racking-Horse.jpg\")
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