The maximum speed of horses is said to be around 88 km/h in short distances, but there are variations depending on breed and age. In this article, we cover breeds that have recorded speeds faster than thoroughbreds, the age at which horses can run fastest, and other speed-related information about horses.
At What Age Do Horses Run Their Fastest?
Horses are known for their speed. Whether it’s witnessing racehorses in action at racetracks or watching videos on TV, the speed of horses is impressive.
Have you ever wondered how fast they actually run? While thoroughbreds are famous, what other breeds are known for their speed? And at what age do horses reach their peak speed?
Fastest Breeds?
In Japan, the most famous racehorses are thoroughbreds, which means they are ‘thoroughly bred’ for racing. They typically weigh between 450-500 kg. With small heads, long legs, and well-developed muscles in the chest and hips, they are built for speed. However, they are also prone to injuries.
Interestingly, the American Quarter Horse is believed to be faster than thoroughbreds, although it’s not used for racing in Japan. The Quarter Horse is calmer, versatile, and widely used for riding, ranching, and racing.
When Do Horses Run Their Fastest?
For those familiar with horse racing, the peak racing age is between 4 and 5 years old, roughly equivalent to late teenage or early adulthood in humans. Horses debut at around 2 years old, similar to middle school age in humans, and are often still maturing at 3. The most optimal performance is typically seen from spring of the 4th and 5th years, especially after gaining experience in their 4th autumn.
Essentially, horses go through a developmental phase similar to students progressing from middle to university age, ending up in their professional prime around 4 years old.
Why Can Horses Run So Fast?
Horse speed has evolved over millions of years. Originally herbivores, horses needed to escape predators by running fast over long distances. Their body parts, especially their legs, evolved significantly: they shifted from multiple toes to a single middle toe for better speed and efficiency, resulting in longer legs and simplified joints optimized for running.
This evolutionary process made horses capable of incredible speed and endurance, vital for survival in the wild.
How Fast Do Thoroughbreds Really Run?
The speed of Japan’s thoroughbreds is incredible. Races on turf or dirt are held over distances like 1000m, 1200m, and 1600m, with horses running at remarkable speeds. How fast do these top-trained thoroughbreds go?
Average speeds vary by race type—around 70 km/h for sprints and about 54 km/h for longer distances, comparable to a car. Notably, in 2002 at the Ibis Summer Dash, a thoroughbred recorded a top speed of 75 km/h.
American Quarter Horse Speed?
The American Quarter Horse, though not seen in Japanese racing, is known for its calmer temperament and speed, with a record of exceeding the thoroughbred’s maximum speed. It hit a record of 92 km/h on a short-distance course, demonstrating impressive velocity.
Considering the typical train speeds of trains are 50-110 km/h, this record is truly extraordinary.
What Is Needed to Achieve Such Speed?
Achieving extreme horse speeds involves not only careful training but also two different running styles, a powerful heart, and a skilled jockey. The two styles include acceleration phase and steady, long-distance running after acceleration, both perfected through training.
The heart of a racing horse is also extraordinary. While a human’s normal heart rate is 60-70 bpm, a thoroughbred’s heart beats about 30 bpm at rest and can reach up to 200 bpm during races. It recovers quickly afterward, thanks to its strong cardiac capacity, which is vital for high-speed endurance. Jockey skill and understanding of each horse’s personality are equally important.
Experience the Speed of a Running Horse!
There’s a video on Equia that lets you experience the feeling of riding a horse at a gallop through the mountains. While it won’t match the speed of a thoroughbred, it still offers a thrilling experience that’s close to the sensation of speed. Check out the article titled ‘A Woman Dashes Through Fuji’s Aokigahara Forest in Traditional Attire!‘ to see this exciting ride. Feel the speed firsthand!
Are There Animals Faster than Horses?
Besides horses, other animals are known for their speed, such as cheetahs and ostriches, but how fast can they go? What other animals are among the fastest in the wild?
Animals Faster Than Horses
Some animals, like springboks, Mongolian gazelles, and pronghorns, are known for their speed. The springbok can reach speeds of 90 km/h and leaps over 3 meters. Mongolian gazelles can run up to 95 km/h. Pronghorns in North America can reach 97 km/h and sustain over 70 km/h for long distances. The fastest animal is the cheetah, which can reach 112 km/h, but it can only sustain this speed over 200-300 meters.
Animals Slower Than Horses but Still Fast
Animals like ostriches, kangaroos, and certain dogs are also fast. Ostriches are the fastest birds, running up to 70 km/h. Kangaroos jump at speeds up to 68 km/h. Dogs, especially Greyhounds used in racing, can reach speeds of 75 km/h.
Summary
Thoroughbreds, which have been bred and trained for racing, excite us with their incredible speed and sprinting ability. When we observe horse speeds and compare them to other animals in the wild, we realize that evolutionary factors play a significant role in their speed capabilities. Now that we understand the speeds of horses and other animals, it’s interesting to think about how their natural life in the wild has shaped their evolution when we experience speeds on cars or trains.