One of the most notable things about the horse is their speed. After all, it’s a half-ton animal running 40 MPHS on four skinny legs that look like they could break any second. The structure of the hoof and leg alone points to an amazing Designer who knew exactly what He was doing.
But today, we’ll just focus on the five fastest horses in the world: the Thoroughbred, the Quarter Horse, the Appaloosa, the Arabian, and the Standardbred.
1# Thoroughbred
Average Speed (At a Gallop): 40-44 MPH (World’s Fastest: 55 MPH)
Height: 15.2-17 hands
About: Known as “the horse of kings” Thoroughbreds dominate the flat track. The Triple Crown, the Santa Anita, and the Breeder’s Cup are just a few of the famous races these horses take a part in, and their bloodlines have influenced and been influenced by the finest horses in the world. As holder of the speed record for any horse– 55 MPH– Thoroughbreds are undoubtedly the fastest horse in the world.
Besides racing, Thoroughbreds are used for jumping, recreation, dressage, and more. They are most commonly bay, chestnut, gray, black, or brown.
To Learn More: http://www.jockeyclub.com/
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2# Quarter Horse
Average Speed (At a Gallop): 45-55 MPH (done at short distance)
Height: 14-16 hands
About: A true all-American, the Quarter Horse’s roots go deep into Colonial America, descending from Thoroughbreds and America’s own mustangs. Named for the quarter mile races they used to run, Quarter Horses are used in flat racing, rodeo, Western pleasure, jumping– you name it, they can do it. They also come in almost every color on the planet. Steady, reliable, and willing, Quarter Horses make one of the most perfect equine partners for any horseman.
To Learn More: https://www.aqha.com/
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3# Appaloosa
Average Speed (At a Gallop): 30-41 MPH
Height: 14-16
About: Hailing from the mountains of Idaho and the Native American tribe of the Nez Perce, Appaloosas make a splash with their spotted coats. With almost every color base accepted by the association and a dozen spotted variations besides, you can’t get more flashy than an Appaloosa.
Their speed traces back to both their Quarter Horse crossbreeding heritage and their Native American roots. Interestingly, they have naturally short and thin manes and tails, perhaps because a long mane could get easily tangled in a raid. Appaloosas are most commonly used in rodeo, as family horses, and a few even compete in jumping and flat classes.
To Learn More: https://www.appaloosa.com/
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4# Arabian
Average Speed (At a Gallop): 40 MPH (Highest Endurance– can run 10 MPH over 100 miles)
Height: 14.1-15.2 Hands
About: One of the oldest horse breeds in the world, the Arabian is fast, yes, but it’s greatest characteristic is its endurance. Originating from the sands of –where else– Arabia, Arabians are extremely endurant and dominate the endurance course.
Easily recognizable by their convex head profile and high-set tail, Arabians unique qualities stretch beyond their endurance and personalities. They also have a different skeletal structure: Arabians have 5 lumbar vertebrae instead of six, and 17 pairs of ribs instead of 18. It’s unclear whether the lack of these bones makes the Arabian any faster for lack of bone density.
Arabians have also been used for a wide variety of disciplines. Some are used for the Western sports of reining or cutting, while others are used as jumpers, dressage horses, and pleasure horses. They are most commonly bay, black, gray, and chestnut, though sabino and rabicano patterns have been recorded.
To Learn More: http://www.arabianhorses.org/
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5# Standardbred
Average Speed (At a Gallop): 35-45 MPH (Usually used as a trotter in races)
Height: 14-17 hands
About: Most commonly used in harness racing, Standardbreds aren’t usually a horse you’ll see galloping around the track. Standardbreds are used as trotters or more commonly pacers– horses who gallop on the course are immediately disqualified. Many Standardbreds have to be retrained to learn how to canter after being rehomed. Still, with their long legs and hearty endurance, Standardbreds still reach speeds up to 45 MPH. They are mostly bay, brown, black or chestnut.
To Learn More: https://standardbred.org/
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And this concludes the second part in “Record-Breaking Horses”. Which of these horses were your favorite? Which do you think is truly the fastest?
I love the Arabian! and their endurance is Sooo amazing! but Thoroughbreds I’d have to say are the fastest! love this post!
Hands down Appaloosa’s are my favorite. I’ve always been in love with them. Nice post, Allie!!