What speed does a horse develop: maximum km per hour

There are several factors that affect how fast horses develop. It depends on the level of load on the animal, breed and a number of other circumstances. You also need to consider the purpose for which the horse is raised. In particular, some animals are bred specifically for competition. Therefore, trained horses in running are noticeably superior to those used in agriculture.

Average animal running speed

As stated, horses' average speed depends on several factors:

• presence and absence of a rider;
• characteristics of the breed;
• presence of wagon and others.

On average, horses of all breeds, devoid of additional loads, run at a speed of 15 km/h. This feature is also characteristic of animals that do not belong to race species.

Moving at an average speed, horses are able to cover long distances. However, steeds peak at short distances. After that, the animal needs a long rest.

No rider

Working horses have strong builds and short legs. In this regard, representatives of this breed run slowly. In animals intended for agricultural work, the average speed reaches 15-20 km / h. Horses without a rider are able to develop about 40 km / h.

With rider

The presence of additional cargo immediately affects the abilities of animals.Because of the rider, working animals bred for slow movement and increased loads develop no more than 12-13 km per hour. Horses designed specifically for high-speed races over short distances are capable of accelerating up to 20-30 km / h, depending on the breed.

With a wagon

The speed with which a horse and cart runs also depends on the degree of workload of the latter. Moreover, in this case, representatives of draft breeds, characterized by increased endurance, are considered. If the load level experienced by the animal does not exceed 8% of body weight, then the average speed of running with a cart is 10-12 km/h.

Factors affecting horse speed

The speed of the horse, in addition to the above factors, depends on:

• current he alth status;
• age;
• breeds;
• method of travel.

The fastest are animals that have reached 5-8 years of age. Younger horses bred for races are also able to show good performance. But horses older than eight years old start to move more slowly.

The main factor determining the capabilities of an animal is the breed. Traction horses are capable of transporting large loads over long distances. However, such horses develop low speed. Moreover, even prolonged training is not able to significantly improve the performance of traction animals.

Race horses develop high speeds that run short distances. After that, the animals need a long rest.

Speed rates of different breeds

The best speed indicators are demonstrated by representatives of the following breeds:

1. Purebred. An English breed of horses showing the best speed performance. This variety was specifically bred for short distance races, so it is not used for other tasks. In part, these characteristics are due to the size of the lungs: in this parameter, thoroughbred horses occupy a leading position among all existing breeds. Also, these horses are distinguished by a large and muscular body.
2. Arabian racing. This breed appeared in the middle of the first millennium on the territory of the Arabian Peninsula. The Arabian racehorse is distinguished by its compact size, dry and lean body, thin legs and small head.
3. Sel (French race). Representatives of this breed appeared in the 19th century. This variety was obtained by crossing the English Thoroughbred and French horses employed in agriculture. Thanks to this, the village is distinguished not only by its large size and the ability to run fast, but also by increased endurance.
4. Trotters (American, French, Oryol and Russian). In brackets is a list of breeds, taking into account the speed characteristics of horses.

Russian trotters, adapted to the conditions of a long and harsh winter, are very popular among horse breeders. This breed includes the Don, Terek and Akhal-Teke varieties of horses, which also demonstrate good ability to run fast. There is an opinion among horse breeders that speed indicators also depend on the color of the animal. Orange-bodied horses are considered the fastest. Next come bay, black and white. Among wild horses, representatives of the mustang breed stand out. These horses, living on the North American continent, accelerate to 100 km/h.

Relationship between gait and speed

Under the gait is understood the manner of movement of the horse. That is, by determining the type of movement of the animal, you can understand how fast the horse moves.

Step

Step is a simple and familiar way for horses to move. The average speed that horses develop in such a gait is 4-5 km / h. Some representatives of race breeds prefer to walk faster, developing up to 7 km / h. With such a gait, animals are able to travel long distances without losing their stride.

Lynx

Lynx is divided into several types:

• quiet (9-10 kilometers per hour);
• medium (up to 13 km/h);
• fast (15 km/h);
• maximum (from 30 km/h and above).

This type of gait is typical for the above breeds of trotters.

Gallop

Gallop is considered the most convenient way of movement for representatives of various breeds. With this manner, horses develop up to 35-45 km / h. A gallop is typical for thoroughbred horses that switch to such a run a couple of minutes after the start of movement.

Quarry

This manner is known as the bait. Moving in a quarry, adult horses develop up to 54-60 km / h.

Amble

Moving in this manner, adult horses accelerate faster than at a trot, but move slower than a gallop or career. The amble is characterized by the fact that animals synchronously rearrange their legs. That is, both hind or forelimbs move at the same time. At other gaits, the animals alternately rearrange their legs.

World record holders

The following records were recorded in the history of horse running speed:

1. 69.69 km/h. This speed was developed by a thoroughbred stallion of the English breed Beach Rekit. This record, which was not broken even with the advent of the 21st century, was registered in 1945. In the early 90s of the last century, the stallion Onion Roll developed a similar maximum speed.However, the horse could not exceed this indicator.
2. 69.3 km/h. With such a speed, the horse Siglevi Slave moved without a rider. This result was recorded during the race for 804 meters, which the horse overcame in 41.8 seconds.
3. 60.7 km/h. This record belongs to the stallion John Henry. This result was recorded during the race for a distance of 2.4 kilometers.

The indicated records were demonstrated by thoroughbred horses. Animals that show "admixtures" of other species during examination are not allowed to compete.

Despite the fact that the speed characteristics directly depend on the breed of the horse, regular training and proper nutrition help to improve previously achieved performance. Horses get into shape for long-distance races for three or more months. During this period, animals require high-calorie food and plenty of fluids.

Recommended