Have you ever wondered what the fastest horse breed is? It is undeniable that horses are fast, but which one is the fastest?
Since Thoroughbred racing is one of the most popular horse sports, it is often believed that Thoroughbreds are the fastest horse breed. However, there are many horse breeds in the world that can compete with their speed.
So what are the fastest horse breeds?
- Quarter Horse
- Thoroughbred
- Arabian
- Appaloosa
- Standardbred
- Mustang
- Akhal-Teke
- Xilingol
Research behind the fastest horse breeds: A study that averaged race times between Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses and Arabians ultimately determined that Quarter Horses are the fastest horse breed. (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17402407)
Let’s take a look at the top 8 fastest horse breeds in the world.
1. Quarter Horse
The Quarter Horse can be considered a better sprinter although not as fast as the Thoroughbred over long distances (which is often thought to be the fastest horse breed). However, Quarter Horses actually average the fastest speeds overall when compared to Thoroughbreds and Arabians.
Quarter Horses have been said to reach speeds up to 55 mph. Although Dr. Stanley Cohen states that Quarter Horses really only reach a speed of 47.5 mph.
For reference, an average horse gallops around at approximately 30 mph.
The common opinion is that Quarter Horses are the fastest horse breed at sprinting over short distances. On average Quarter Horses are simply faster than any other breed.
2. thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is typically believed to be the fastest horse breed, however, it appears Thoroughbreds have more stamina to travel long distances, while Quarter Horses are actually the fastest horse breed overall.
Thoroughbreds reach a maximum speed of 44mph, with the average Kentucky Derby speed at 37 mph. However, unlike Quarter Horses, they are able to sustain the speed over a longer distance.
Thoroughbreds are considered to be hot-blooded horses and are fast racehorses because they are able to sustain high speeds for extended periods of time.
What is the fastest horse in the world? The Thoroughbred, Winning Brew, is the fastest horse on record. He sustained 43.97 mph over two furlongs.
3. Arabian
Arabian horses are one of the fastest horse breeds in the world. They are often used as endurance horses because they can sustain decent speeds for an extended period of time.
The fastest speed that an Arabian can reach is 40 mph.
Arabians tend to be a bit smaller than Thoroughbreds or Quarter horses and are more petite in bone size. Their small, lightweight build likely helps them to be one of the fastest horse breeds.
4. Appaloosa
The Appaloosa stands out most because of it’s coloring – typically displaying spots over part or all of their body. Appaloosas earn a spot as one of the fastest horse breeds because they travel quickly and efficiently.
Historically, Appaloosas were used by Native American tribes – as war horses and for hauling materials for them. They are strong and consistent when running, making them fast.
5. Standardbred
The standardbred is likely the only gaited horse that is considered one of the fastest horse breeds. They are typically used as “trotters” in harness races.
One of the fastest Standardbreds recorded, Lee Axworthy, ran a race at a trot of a speed averaging 30 mph. Which if you remember reading above, is the average speed of a typical horse galloping in a field.
Standardbreds are descendants of the Thoroughbred but are shorter in stature with larger bones, making them uniquely fast while trotting.
6. Mustang
Mustangs are typically born as wild horses, and their unique lineage of being a wild horse aids them in being one of the fastest horse breeds in the world. Mustangs are typically medium sized horses, with agility, muscle and smarts that make them very quick on their feet.
The fastest mustang speed was recorded at about 54 mph. This makes the mustang a very fast horse breed!
Mustangs are often used as agility horses because they are so quick and light on their feet.
7. akhal-Teke
The Akhal-Teke horse comes from the harsh KaraKum Desert in Turkmenistan. Their unique breeding and environmental influences make them one of the fastest horse breeds in the world. They are used primarily for racing, and exist throughout Turkmenistan and Russia primarily.
Known for it’s stamina and speed, the Akhal-Teke breed is relatively rare and demand a high purchase price since the breed is so good at racing as well as participating in many equestrian sports.
8. xilingol
The Xilingol is a rare and not well known horse breed. These horses were bred from crosses of the Russian Thoroughbred, Sanhe, Akhal-Teke, Chinese Mongolian breeds. The result of crossing these fast horse breeds is an extremely quick, light on their feet, and sturdy horse breed. The Xilingol horse breed resides in Mongolia where they are used for work and endurance races.
Have you heard of any, or all, of the fastest horse breeds?
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