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How Fast Can Horses Run?
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Horse power
Bred for speed

Horse power
Horse power White horse galloping in an open field.

How Fast Can Horses Run?

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The average horse can reach speeds of 50 km (30 miles) per hour at a gallop, the animal’s fastest gait (pattern of leg movements while in motion). Horses specifically bred for racing, such as Thoroughbreds and American Quarter Horses, can achieve even greater speeds—sometimes more than 64 km (40 miles) per hour.

A horse’s body is built for speed. Its long leg bones move forward and backward on pulley-like joints, and its limbs are connected to strong muscles in a way that makes movement energy-efficient. Additionally, the horse stands on the tips of its toes, which helps its legs stretch farther when running.

Bred for speed
Bred for speedThe National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, in Saratoga Springs, New York, is devoted to the sport of horse racing.
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Thoroughbreds are valued for their speed and stamina over longer races, while American Quarter Horses are known for their explosive bursts of speed over short-distance races. The official record for the fastest racehorse belongs to a Thoroughbred mare named Winning Brew, which reached a speed of 70.35 km (43.71 miles) per hour in 2008.

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